According to the advisory released on October 22, 2025, rainfall currently affecting parts of the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, and the Highlands West of the Rift Valley is expected to intensify to more than 30 millimetres within 24 hours.
The rainfall will spread to the Highlands East of the Rift Valley, including Nairobi, and parts of the Southeastern Lowlands from Thursday, October 23, 2025.
“Rainfall currently affecting parts of the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley and Highlands West of the Rift Valley is expected to intensify to more than 30mm in 24hrs and spread to the Highlands East of the Rift (including Nairobi) and Southeastern Lowlands from Thursday 23rd October 2025,” the advisory reads in part.
The statement said the heavy rainfall is expected to continue and extend to parts of the Northeast from October 30, 2025.
“This is likely to mark the onset of the Short Rains Season (OND) 2025 over several parts of the country except over parts of Southeastern lowlands and the coastal region,” stated the department.
Areas expected to be affected include Kisumu, Homa Bay, Siaya, Migori, Busia, Kisii, Nyamira, Nandi, Kericho, Bomet, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Narok, Baringo, Nakuru, Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Turkana, Isiolo, Samburu, Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, Tharaka Nithi, Nairobi, and parts of Kajiado, Machakos, and Makueni counties.
The department cautioned residents in the mentioned areas to be alert for potential floods and landslides. It also warned that floodwaters may appear in places where it has not rained heavily upstream, posing danger to communities and motorists.
“Residents in all the mentioned areas are advised to be on the lookout for potential floods. Flood waters may appear in places where it has not rained heavily, especially downstream,” the statement said.
People have been advised to avoid driving through or walking in moving water, open fields, and not to shelter under trees or near grilled windows to minimize exposure to lightning strikes.
“People in landslide-prone areas, especially over the slopes of Aberdare ranges, Mt. Kenya, and other sloppy areas over the western region, should be on high alert,” the advisory added.
The statement, signed by Kennedy Thiong’o, for the Acting Director of the Kenya Meteorological Department, noted that updates will be provided promptly if there are any changes in weather patterns.
It also urged the public to remain cautious and follow guidance from relevant government agencies as the heavy rainfall period begins.
