By S, KNA
Nyeri is among a list of counties that have been put on alert mode, following the onset of the ongoing heavy rains being experienced in parts of the country.
The Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) has listed a total of 42 counties expected to experience heavy rains until the beginning of March.
In its advisory released on February 25, KMD says the current downpour being experienced in several counties is expected to continue until February 28.
Among counties in the list include Migori, Nyamira, Kakamega, West Pokot, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nakuru, Kisumu, Bomet, Kirinyaga and Machakos.
Others include Meru, Nairobi, Mombasa, Tana River and parts of Garissa.
“The current heavy rainfall of more than 20 mm in 24 hours being experienced over several parts of the county is expected to continue from 25th to 28th February 2026 and likely to spread to parts of Northeastern.
The intensity is expected to decrease by 1st March 2026 over Southern lowlands, the Coastal region, and the Highlands East of the Rift Valley” reads the advisory dated February 25 2026.
However, heavy rainfall of more than 20 mm within 24 hours is expected to persist over the Lake Victoria Basin and the West of the Rift Valley until 3rd March 2026.
In addition, KMD has advised those living in the affected regions to be extra cautious and avoid exposing themselves to risks that may jeopardize their lives or those of their loved ones during the season.
The advisory has also been copied to the Presidency and emergency and disaster related agencies as a mitigation measure in the event urgent help is needed in the aforementioned areas.
“Residents in all the mentioned areas are advised to be on the lookout for potential floods, flash floods and poor visibility. Flood waters may appear in places where it has not rained heavily, especially downstream. People are advised to avoid driving through or walking in moving water or open fields and not to shelter under trees and near grilled windows to minimize exposure to lightning strikes. Updates will be provided promptly if there are any changes,” stated the weather advisory update signed by KMD acting Director Edward Muriuki.
An earlier weather advisory from the KMD dated February 20, 2026 had listed a total of 22 counties in the country which were expected to continue experiencing heavy rains until February 26.
Among counties listed in the national climate advisory included Tana River, Mombasa, Kericho, Nairobi, Machakos, Narok, Kisii, Migori and Nandi.
“The rainfall being experienced over the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley and Highlands west and East of Rift Valley including Nairobi is expected to intensify to more than 20mm in 24hrs on 21st February 2026,” stated the weather advisory.
“The heavy rainfall is likely to intensify to more than 30mm in 24hrs on 22nd, 23rd and 24th February 2026 and spread to the Southeastern lowlands and the Coastal region especially south Coast. It is projected to reduce in intensity on 25th February 2026.”
Among agencies that have already released SOS lines for use by the public in case of an emergency include the Kenya Red Cross Society.
The relief agency has issued a toll free call line (1199) to the public for those who would wish to report about incidents requiring emergency response.
In its seasonal prediction for the long rains, the weatherman had indicated the long rain season will commence from the third and fourth week of March but the ongoing rains seem to have caught many by surprise.
In its climate outlook for the March-April –May rainfall season, KMD had predicted that areas around Lake Victoria Basin, the Highlands West of the Rift Valley, the Highlands East of the Rift Valley will receive near-average to above –average rainfall.
In addition, Southern lowlands, Northeastern, and parts of Northwestern Kenya and the Coastal Region are expected to receive near-average to below-average and below average respectively.
The peak season of the rains is predicted to occur in April over most regions, apart from the Coast where the peak is expected in May.