The Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) has forecast above-average rainfall across most parts of Kenya in November, raising concerns about flooding, landslides, and disruptions to transport and agricultural activities. According to the department's monthly weather forecast, more than 40 counties, including Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Machakos, Makueni, Kiambu, Meru, Garissa, and Mandera, are expected to receive rainfall above the long-term average. This has prompted warnings of possible flash floods, landslides, and damage to infrastructure.
The KMD has identified parts of Turkana, West Pokot, Samburu, Baringo, and Marsabit as areas that will receive near-average to above-average rainfall. The department has warned that enhanced rainfall poses a risk of weather-related hazards, particularly in flood-prone areas, low-lying coastal regions, urban centres with poor drainage, and highland areas susceptible to landslides. Residents in these areas have been advised to take necessary precautions to mitigate the effects of the anticipated rainfall.
The prolonged rainfall may render rural access roads impassable, disrupting the movement of people, goods, and essential services. Urban centres, meanwhile, face the prospect of traffic congestion where drainage systems are overwhelmed. The KMD has also warned that stagnant water will provide favourable breeding grounds for mosquitoes, potentially increasing malaria transmission in susceptible regions.
Flooding and poor drainage also pose a risk of contaminating water sources, raising the likelihood of waterborne diseases, including cholera, typhoid, and diarrhoeal infections. The KMD has urged residents to take precautions to prevent the spread of diseases, such as ensuring proper disposal of waste and maintaining good hygiene practices.
On temperatures, the KMD has forecast warmer-than-average conditions across the country, with daytime highs reaching 38 degrees Celsius in parts of Turkana, Samburu, Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, and Isiolo. Coastal counties, including Mombasa, Kilifi, Lamu, and Kwale, are set to record maximum temperatures of between 25 and 35 degrees Celsius.
The Kenya Meteorological Department has emphasized the need for residents to be aware of the potential risks associated with the anticipated rainfall and to take necessary precautions to mitigate its effects. The department has also urged authorities to put in place measures to minimize the impact of the rainfall on communities.
The forecast has significant implications for various sectors, including agriculture, transport, and health. The government and other stakeholders have been urged to develop strategies to mitigate the effects of the rainfall and to provide support to affected communities.
Key points
- Above-average rainfall is expected across most parts of Kenya in November.
- The Kenya Meteorological Department has warned of possible flash floods, landslides, and transport disruptions.
- Warmer-than-average temperatures are forecast across the country, with daytime highs reaching 38 degrees Celsius in some areas.
