The Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) has issued a public notice warning residents along Kenya's Coast to take extra precautions due to expected strong winds, high waves, heavy rainfall, and poor visibility. The adverse weather conditions are forecasted to create dangerous situations at sea between September and December. The KMA urged the public to avoid venturing into the sea during periods of rough sea conditions and adverse weather.
The warning comes ahead of Kenya's October-November-December rainfall season, with forecasts indicating an increasingly strong El Niño event. The Kenya Meteorological Department has predicted a high probability of the 2026 El Niño becoming very strong, at 81 percent, and a 97 percent chance that its effects will continue into early 2027. This has raised concerns about the potential risks to fisherfolk, boat operators, passengers, and other individuals carrying out activities along the coastline.
The KMA has advised boat owners and operators to ensure their vessels are properly secured, whether underway, moored, or at anchor. Passengers and crew members are also reminded to wear life jackets at all times while at sea. Fisherfolk and other stakeholders are urged to exercise extreme caution and postpone non-essential activities at sea when conditions deteriorate. Vessels already at sea have been advised to keep checking weather updates and seek safe shelter whenever conditions require them to do so.
Coastal communities have been asked to stay alert to possible strong winds, high waves, and heavy rainfall, and to follow safety directions issued by authorities. The government has identified 18 counties as highly vulnerable to the effects of El Niño, with Tana River, Kilifi, Lamu, Mombasa, and Kwale listed among counties particularly exposed to flooding, storm surges, coastal erosion, and damage to infrastructure.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has confirmed that El Niño is firmly established and is expected to strengthen further, with an almost 100 percent likelihood of continuing through February 2027. The WMO has warned that the weather event could alter rainfall patterns and raise the risk of extreme weather, although the effects are expected to differ from one region to another.
The KMA has called on the public to regularly follow official weather forecasts and maritime safety information issued by the Kenya Meteorological Department and the maritime authority. Members of the public can report maritime emergencies and incidents to the Regional Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre through 0737719414 or 0721368313.
The maritime safety warning is a crucial measure to mitigate the potential risks associated with the expected El Niño event. By taking necessary precautions and following safety guidelines, residents and stakeholders along the Coast can minimize the impact of the adverse weather conditions and ensure their safety.
Key points
- The Kenya Maritime Authority has warned of rough seas and strong winds along the Coast, ahead of the October-November-December rainfall season.
- The expected El Niño event has a high probability of becoming very strong, with a 97 percent chance of its effects continuing into early 2027.
- Residents and stakeholders along the Coast have been advised to take extra precautions and follow safety guidelines to minimize the impact of the adverse weather conditions.
