The Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) has warned that rough sea conditions are very likely to prevail along the coastal strip between September and December 2026.
According to KMA, the conditions include strong winds, rough seas, high waves, heavy rainfall, and reduced visibility, which pose a risk to vessels and persons undertaking activities at sea and along the coastline.
The KMA warning carries significant implications for fisherfolk, boat operators, and anyone with activities planned on or near the ocean.
The public is advised to avoid venturing into the sea during periods of adverse weather and rough sea conditions.
In a statement, KMA Director-General (DG) Omae Nyarandi has advised fishermen in the coastal counties of Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, and Lamu to be cautious while venturing into the sea.
There is a possibility of surging waves during the high tide times in the low-lying areas of the coasts during the September-December period.
The KMA DG has assured the public of continuous monitoring and timely updates as the situation evolves.
KMA says boat owners and operators should secure their vessels properly while underway, moored, or at anchor, while all passengers and crew should wear life jackets while on board vessels.
Fisherfolk and other stakeholders should exercise extreme caution and postpone non-essential activities at sea when conditions deteriorate.
Vessels already at sea should monitor weather updates and proceed to safe shelter where necessary to avoid thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds that are likely to prevail along the coastal strip.
The KMA advisory adds that coastal communities should remain alert to strong winds, high waves, and heavy rainfall and follow instructions from relevant authorities.
The public is urged to continuously monitor official weather and maritime safety information from the Kenya Meteorological Service Authority (KMSA) and KMA and to report maritime incidents and emergencies to the Regional Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (RMRCC) using 0737719414 or 0721368313.
The KMA advisory comes at a time when Mombasa County is bracing for El Niño rains as the KMSA announced the October to December 2026 short rains season forecast.
The KMSA forecast indicates enhanced rainfall during the season with high temperatures expected in the coastal region.
Mombasa is among the high-risk urban centers flagged by the government to experience heavy, above-average rainfall and potential flooding from the intensifying 2026 El Niño.
Scientists contend that El Niño as part of a larger climate cycle is a naturally occurring climate phenomenon characterized by the abnormal warming of the Pacific sea surface temperatures.
The World Meteorological Association warns that the El Niño climate phenomenon could bring droughts, flooding, heat waves and displacement of people around the world later this year.
The international weather agency warned that the anticipated heavy rainfall could have far-reaching consequences across many sectors, including transportation, agriculture, health, and infrastructure.
The Mombasa County government has recently intensified coastal safety measures amid heavy rain forecasts, rough seas, and high tides.
The coastal county has deployed lifeguards across different areas of the beach to monitor the situation and prevent any untoward incident.
By Hussein Abdullahi
