The Kenya Meteorological Department has released a weather alert for heavy rainfall and strong winds to hit most areas of the country from 1st to 3rd May 2026, advising people to stay alert for continued wet weather.

In a statement on their X handle on Friday, May 1, 2026, the Kenya Meteorological Department’s forecast indicates rain is likely over the north and west of the Rift Valley region, the Lake Victoria Basin, the coastal region and northeastern Kenya. It has also been noted that there is a possibility of heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, especially in the afternoon and evening hours.

“Mvua zinatarajiwa kuendelea katika maeneo mengi ya nchi, hasa Nyanda za Juu Mashariki na Magharibi mwa Bonde la Ufa, Bonde la Ziwa Victoria, Pwani na Kaskazini Mashariki. Baadhi ya maeneo yatashuhudia mvua kubwa na radi, hasa mchana na jioni,” the Kenya Meteorological Department noted in the statement.

The department has also issued a warning of strong southerly to south-easterly winds (greater than 25 knots) in parts of the north-western, north-eastern, and south-eastern lowlands and the coastal region. This could affect marine transportation, fisheries, and other activities.

“Upepo mkali wa kusini hadi kusini-mashariki (zaidi ya 25 knots) unatarajiwa katika baadhi ya maeneo ya Kaskazini Magharibi, Kaskazini Mashariki, Nyanda za Chini Kusini Mashariki na Pwani,” the statement added.

Call for safety precautions

The public has been urged to take safety precautions in flood-prone areas as the rains may lead to flash floods in low-lying areas, urban areas and river catchment areas. The public is advised to drive and walk with care due to low visibility and slippery surfaces.

The Kenya Meteorological Department also advised the public to use official sources of information for weather updates, including its website, county forecasts, and digital alert system. It stressed that timely and reliable weather information plays a crucial role in minimising weather-related risks.

The statement from the Kenya Meteorological Department has come at a time when the Kenya Red Cross has said it is on high alert and has sent in response teams to help after heavy rains caused flooding in various parts of the country, leaving people stranded and roads blocked, with search and rescue operations underway.

Taking it to their social media handles on Friday, May 1, 2026, the Kenya Red Cross has said that the crisis has been most pronounced along Mombasa Road, particularly the Eastern Bypass section, where floodwaters have resulted in flooding and traffic disruptions on one of Nairobi’s major transport routes.

In Mukuru Kwa Njenga, authorities are responding to reports, yet to be confirmed, of missing people and families stranded by the floodwaters. The Kenya Red Cross Society has sent teams to gauge the impact and help with search and rescue efforts.

Following a heavy downpour, rising water levels have been reported along Mombasa Road (Eastern Bypass), resulting in flooding. In Mukuru kwa Njenga, there are unconfirmed reports of missing persons and marooned households. Kenya Red Cross Nairobi teams are en route for assessment and possible response,” the Kenya Red Cross noted.