The Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) has issued fresh warnings of heavy rains, strong winds, and potential flooding as the effects of Cyclone Chenge begin to sweep across parts of the country. According to the latest KMD advisory, the storm system, originally a tropical cyclone off the northern coast of Madagascar, has weakened into a tropical depression but continues to bring heavy rainfall and gusty winds to the East African coast.
Coastal counties including Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi, Lamu, and Tana River are expected to experience intense downpours and high wind speeds exceeding 25 knots through the week.“We are urging residents in flood-prone and low-lying areas to remain vigilant. Strong winds may blow off roofs, uproot trees, and damage power lines,” said Dr. David Gikungu, Director of the Kenya Meteorological Department, in a statement posted on.
Widespread Impact Expected
The weather department has also projected that rainfall will spread inland to the Lake Victoria Basin, Rift Valley, and Highlands, where areas such as Kisumu, Siaya, Homa Bay, Migori, Busia, Kakamega, and Nakuru are already recording early signs of heavy showers.
In its Heavy Rainfall Advisory No. 3, KMD placed several counties under yellow alert, warning that the rains could intensify and persist for several days. The public has been cautioned against walking or driving through moving water and advised to seek higher ground in flood-risk areas.
When the Rains Turn Deadly
Kenya’s flood history serves as a sobering reminder of the risks at hand. In April 2024, torrential rains triggered floods and dam bursts in the Mai Mahiu area, killing more than 200 people and displacing thousands. Months earlier, the Kenya–Tanzania floods had claimed hundreds of lives across 33 counties, affecting over 500,000 residents and damaging crops and infrastructure.
“We have seen what heavy rains can do when preparedness is ignored,” said Philip Thigo, a disaster management expert. “Cyclone Chenge might be weaker than those past systems, but its rainfall potential is significant.”
Anticipated Effects: Flooding, Power Cuts, and Landslides
KMD warned that flash floods could occur in both urban and rural areas, particularly in slum settlements and along riverbanks. In the highland regions of Central and Western Kenya, there is also a heightened risk of landslides, especially around the Aberdares, Elgeyo escarpment, and Mount Kenya slopes.
The heavy rainfall may also impact infrastructure and essential services, with power outages and road blockages possible in several counties. The Ministry of Transport has already mobilized emergency units to monitor key highways linking Nairobi to Mombasa, Kisumu, and Eldoret.
Preparedness and Response
The Kenya Red Cross and county disaster units have been placed on alert to coordinate rescue and relief efforts in case of flooding. KMD continues to update forecasts via its official website and social media platforms. The department also urged county governments to clear drainage systems, reinforce flood barriers, and sensitize communities about evacuation routes.
Meteorologists expect the heavy rainfall to continue through the weekend before gradually subsiding. However, long-term forecasts suggest Kenya could face above-average rainfall through November, consistent with predictions of a strong El Niño pattern forming over the Indian Ocean.