Kenya Met Warns of Heavy Rains During Christmas Week Across Several Regions

The Kenya Meteorological Department (Kenya Met) has issued a weather alert warning of moderate to heavy rainfall across large parts of the country during the Christmas week, raising concerns over travel disruptions, flooding, and safety risks during the festive season.

In a five-day weather advisory covering December 23 to 27, Kenya Met said significant rainfall is expected in Western Kenya, the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, Central Kenya, and parts of the Coast, with thunderstorms forecast in several areas.

According to the department, the heaviest rainfall was expected on Tuesday, December 23, particularly in the Lake Basin, Rift Valley, and Western Kenya. These areas were forecast to experience intense downpours accompanied by thunderstorms, posing potential risks to road users, outdoor activities, and infrastructure.

Rainfall intensity is expected to gradually reduce from Wednesday, December 24 through Saturday, December 27, though intermittent showers will continue in most affected regions, including on Christmas Day.

Counties at Risk of Heavy Rainfall

Kenya Met listed at least 20 counties likely to experience significant rainfall during the period. These include Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, Trans Nzoia, Baringo, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi, Nakuru, Narok, Kericho, Bomet, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Busia, and West Pokot.

The advisory noted that these regions, many of which are densely populated and agriculturally productive, face heightened risks of localized flooding, mudslides, and transport disruptions, especially along major highways during peak holiday travel.

Central Kenya is also expected to receive moderate to heavy rainfall, mainly in the afternoons and evenings. Counties affected include Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, Tharaka Nithi, and Nairobi, meaning the capital city will experience wet conditions during the holiday period.

Mixed Conditions Across the Country

While much of western and central Kenya braces for rain, Coastal counties—including Mombasa, Kilifi, Lamu, Kwale, and parts of Tana River—are expected to receive only light showers, offering relatively favorable conditions for tourists and holidaymakers.

Meanwhile, South Eastern and North Eastern regions are forecast to remain largely dry and sunny, with only isolated showers in some areas.

Kenya Met also warned of very cold nights in Central Kenya, with temperatures dropping to as low as 5°C, while daytime temperatures in parts of the Lake Basin, Rift Valley, and Western Kenya could rise to 32°C.

The department urged Kenyans to stay alert, monitor weather updates, avoid travel during heavy rains, and take precautions against lightning and flooding as the festive season unfolds.