The Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry has issued a warning alerting residents in 34 counties to brace for possible flooding and strong winds due to heavy rainfall over the weekend.

In a statement released on Friday, October 3, the government noted that the ongoing rains over the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, and the Highlands west of the Rift Valley are expected to intensify, reaching more than 20 millimeters within 24 hours. The downpour is also expected to spread to the Highlands east of the Rift Valley, including Nairobi.

The advisory further indicated that the heavy rains will persist until Sunday, October 5, 2025, accompanied by strong winds, before gradually easing off from Monday, October 6, 2025.

“The strong southerly winds of more than 25 knots (12.9 meters per second) being experienced over the eastern sector are projected to continue,” the advisory noted, raising concerns about potential structural damage and hazardous conditions.

The 34 counties under the weather alert are Kisumu, Homa Bay, Siaya, Migori, Busia, Kisii, Nyamira, Nandi, Kericho, Bomet, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Narok, parts of Kajiado, Baringo, Nakuru, Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Turkana, Samburu, Marsabit, Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, Tharaka-Nithi, and Nairobi.

The Ministry has also issued detailed safety guidelines to residents in these areas, urging them to remain vigilant against possible flooding.

It further warned that floodwaters may occur in areas that have not experienced significant rainfall, particularly downstream of regions receiving heavy downpours.

“People are advised to avoid driving or walking in moving water or open fields and not to shelter under trees and near grilled windows to minimize exposure to lightning strikes,” the statement warned.

The government has also warned that the strong winds could rip off roofs, uproot trees, and damage buildings and infrastructure.

This nationwide advisory follows an earlier urgent weather alert issued by the Kenya Meteorological Department, which specifically cautioned residents of the Nairobi Metropolitan area to prepare for intensified rainfall over the weekend.

According to the notice released on Friday, rainfall in parts of Nairobi Metropolis was expected to escalate from Friday through Sunday, ranging from moderate to very heavy downpours.

Some areas were forecasted to receive between 5 and 20 millimeters of rain, while others could experience heavier amounts of 20 to 50 millimeters within 24 hours.

In certain parts, the weatherman projected rainfall surpassing 50 millimeters, heightening the risk of flooding. The department also warned of possible afternoon and evening thunderstorms, which could trigger localized flooding, traffic snarl-ups, and slippery road conditions across the city.

Motorists were particularly urged to remain cautious during these periods, as heavy rainfall combined with poor visibility could create dangerous driving conditions.