By Ken Muthomi - Reporter
Kenya, 7 May 2026 - The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a heavy rainfall advisory, warning that rainfall is expected to intensify across 34 counties between Friday, 8 May and Thursday, 14 May 2026.
The advisory issued on Wednesday noted that rainfall over the Highlands West and East of the Rift Valley, Central Highlands, and parts of the Southeastern Lowlands is expected to intensify to more than 20 millimetres within 24 hours.
The weatherman has said that the rainfall is expected to peak between Sunday, May 10, and Wednesday, 13 May before gradually reducing from 14 May 2026.
Even though the majority of the country will experience reduced rainfall after May 14, rainfall is expected to continue in several regions, including the Lake Victoria Basin, Rift Valley, and Nairobi.
Counties that are set to be affected the most include Migori, Nyamira, Bungoma, Busia, Kakamega, Vihiga, West Pokot, Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, Trans Nzoia, Nandi, Uasin Gishu, Nakuru, Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Kisii, Kericho, Bomet, Kiambu, Embu, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Laikipia, Tharaka-Nithi, Meru, Nairobi, and Narok.
The weatherman has also indicated that some parts of Turkana, Samburu, Kajiado, and Machakos could also experience the heavy rains.
Individuals living in these areas have been advised to remain vigilant in several regions, including the Lake Victoria Basin, Rift Valley, and Nairobi, during this period.
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“Avoid driving or walking through moving water or open fields; Do not seek shelter under trees or near grilled windows to minimize the risk of lightning strikes,” the department stated.
“Those in landslide-prone areas, especially along the slopes of the Aberdare Ranges, Mt. Kenya, and other hilly regions, should exercise extreme caution.”
In its monthly forecast, the department said that drier-than-average conditions are expected to prevail after mid-month, marking the end of the March–April–May 2026 rainy season.
Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, the Rift Valley, and the Southeastern Lowlands are likely to experience cool and cloudy conditions, alongside a drop in temperatures, signalling the transition to the cold and dry season.