Heavy rains expected across Kenya, warning on flood risks issued
By Kenneth Mwenda, March 18, 2026The Kenya Red Cross has warned that heavy rains will continue across the country from March 18 to March 24, 2026, raising the risk of flash floods and landslides.
In a post shared on X on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, the humanitarian agency said:
“Heavy rains expected across Kenya (March 18–24). Risk of flash floods & landslides. Stay safe,” Kenya Red Cross stated.
The alert comes as several parts of the country continue to experience ongoing rainfall.
The warning follows an advisory issued by the Kenya Meteorological Department under the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry. The department said rainfall currently being experienced in different regions will intensify in the coming days.
According to the advisory issued on March 18, 2026, the rains are expected to exceed 20mm within 24 hours between March 19 and March 24, 2026. The department added that the intensity will likely peak between March 20 and March 23 before reducing on March 24, 2026.
“The rainfall being experienced over several parts of the country is expected to intensify,” the advisory stated. “Although the intensity may reduce toward the end of this period, rainfall is still expected to continue over several parts of the country.”
Flood risk across regions
Areas expected to be affected include the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, the Highlands West and East of the Rift Valley, as well as Nairobi and coastal regions.
Counties listed in the advisory include Turkana, Samburu, Migori, Nyamira, Bungoma, Busia, Kakamega, Vihiga, West Pokot, 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, Narok, Kajiado, Makueni, Machakos, Taita-Taveta, Kitui, Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi, Garissa, parts of; Marsabit, Isiolo, Wajir, Mandera and Tana River.
The Meteorological Department warned residents to prepare for possible floods, flash floods, and poor visibility. It noted that floodwaters may appear even in areas where rainfall is not heavy, especially in downstream locations.
“Residents in all the mentioned areas are advised to be on the lookout for potential floods, flash floods and poor visibility,” the department said.
It also cautioned motorists and pedestrians against crossing flooded roads or walking through moving water.
“People are advised to avoid driving through or walking in moving water,” the advisory added.
The department further warned those living in landslide-prone areas, especially along the slopes of the Aberdare ranges and Mt Kenya, to remain vigilant. It also urged the public not to shelter under trees or near grilled windows during storms due to the risk of lightning strikes.
Flood death toll rises
The latest warnings come amid rising concerns over the impact of the ongoing rains. On Tuesday, March 17, the National Police Service confirmed that the death toll from floods had risen to 71 following days of heavy rainfall across the country.
In a statement, police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said five more deaths had been recorded, pushing the number higher. Nairobi remains the worst affected, with 36 deaths reported. The Eastern region has recorded 19 fatalities, while the Rift Valley has eight. Nyanza has four deaths, the Coast region three, and the Central region one.
Authorities also reported widespread destruction, with at least 2,622 families displaced. Floodwaters have swept through homes, damaged infrastructure, and left many residents stranded.
With rains expected to persist, officials have urged the public to take safety warnings seriously. The police asked residents to avoid crossing swollen rivers, stay away from flooded areas, and follow official updates.
Emergency teams remain on the ground as the country braces for more rainfall in the coming days.