The Kenya Meteorological Department (Kenya Met) has released a weather advisory for the coastal region, cautioning residents and maritime operators about potentially rough seas driven by strong winds.

In its seven-day outlook covering April 6 to April 13, 2026, the agency indicates that sea conditions along the Kenyan Coast are expected to range from generally calm to occasionally slightly rough.

However, these conditions will not only be experienced along the Kenyan Coast but also in offshore areas, such as the Tanzanian and Somali Coasts.

“Slight to moderate sea conditions with wave heights of 0.2-2.25m (0.6-6.75ft) expected over Somalia, Kenya and Tanzania waters throughout the forecast period,” Kenya Met said. 

Due to the prospect of relatively strong winds, the weatherman warns small boats during this forecast period to be careful, as heavy winds and strong waves could spray into the boats and cause instability, leading to capsizing in the long run.

Moreover, within the seven-day marine forecast, calm to moderate winds are expected over the waters of Somalia, Kenya, and Tanzania throughout the forecast period.

“Light breeze to fresh breeze with wind speeds of 01–10m/s (02 to 20 Knots) expected in Somalia, Kenya, and Tanzania waters throughout the forecast period,” stated Kenya Met.

The weatherman further warned residents to be careful when engaging in marine activities, such as fishing or marine tourism, in the event of unforeseen circumstances.

“Small boats are likely to be filled with water sprays and become unstable. We recommend caution in carrying out marine activities,” the weaherman urged.

With this directive, the Kenyan Coast encompassed includes the counties of Mombasa, Lamu, Taita Taveta, and Tana River, and Kwale County, which have direct contact with the Kenyan coastline.

Boat capsizing along the Kenyan Coast has a long history, often linked to seasonal Kusi monsoon winds, sudden, heavy tidal waves, overcrowding, and a lack of proper safety equipment on board.

The most gruesome maritime disaster in Kenya occurred on April 29, 1994, when the MV Mtongwe sank in Mombasa’s Likoni channel, claiming 272 lives due to severe overloading.

In May 2025, all public beaches in Mombasa were closed following a directive by Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sherrif Nassir due to a warning of strong southerly winds and large waves along the Kenyan Coast, and in October 2025, three people were confirmed missing after a boat capsized during a race during the African Ocean Festival at Tudor Water Sports in Mombasa.