A fierce 30-minute afternoon downpour accompanied by strong winds hit Kisumu East on October 8, ripping off roofs, tearing down billboards onto parked vehicles, and flooding streets. The storm marked an abrupt start to the October–December (OND) rainfall season in Western Kenya, causing widespread structural damage and business disruptions. Residents and business owners were caught off guard, with thousands fleeing for higher ground as fallen trees, advertising hoardings, and flying iron sheets littered major roadways.
The sudden squall was described by residents as intense, with howling gales tearing through the city center and surrounding suburbs. "The wind was too much. It could blow away anything. The rain did not even last 30 minutes, but it was short and heavy," recalled resident Mary Owino. Images shared online captured billboards flattened on top of crushed vehicles, while business owners scrambled to secure remaining stock amidst leaking roofs and overflowing drainage gutters.
Following the chaos, the Kenya Meteorological Service Authority (KMSA) dispatched a public safety advisory warning citizens across the region to prepare for further extreme weather during the OND short rains. The weather agency reminded the public to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions, outlining critical safety protocols. These included avoiding seeking shelter beneath trees during thunderstorms and urging drivers and pedestrians to never navigate flooded roads, waterways, or low-lying areas.
Local leaders and city emergency crews spent the evening clearing debris and assessing structural damages across Kisumu. Kisumu City Manager Fred Mariwa urged vulnerable residents to seek safer shelter, addressing the vulnerability of low-lying settlements around the lake basin. "For the people who are in lower areas that are prone to flooding, please move to higher areas. For people who are living in buildings that are weak or that may collapse, please evacuate the buildings," Mariwa warned.
To mitigate future inundations as the rainy season picks up pace, national authorities announced immediate infrastructure interventions. East African Community (EAC) Affairs Principal Secretary Caroline Karugu highlighted ongoing flood-mitigation efforts aimed at safeguarding the region. "We have already built 10 km worth of dykes. And in 2 weeks I'll be back to do another groundbreaking for an extra 3 km of dykes around the Nyando area," Karugu confirmed.
Despite the efforts of authorities, online backlash met weather warnings, with many users questioning the accuracy of recent forecasts and demanding better predictive alerts rather than post-event reporting. However, meteorologists warn that over 25 counties stretching from the Western highlands to the Coastal strip are slated for heavy downpours and high-speed winds exceeding 25 knots over the coming days.
With ground conditions already saturated in Kisumu, residents are advised to stay tuned to official broadcasts, clear household drainage paths, and prepare for a wet, unpredictable OND season ahead. The Kenya Meteorological Service Authority has forecasted rainfall over several parts of the country, including Mandera, Wajir, Marsabit, Garissa, Tana River, Lamu, Kilifi, Mombasa, Kwale, Kakamega, Vihiga, Busia, Bungoma, Kisumu, Kisii, Nyamira, Migori, Siaya, Homa Bay, Kericho, Nandi, Bomet, Nakuru, Elgeyo-Marakwet, West Pokot, Baringo, Uasin Gishu, Trans Nzoia, Nyeri, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Embu, Meru, Kiambu, Tharaka Nithi, Laikipia, and Nyandarua counties.
Key points
- The Kenya Meteorological Service Authority issues public safety advisory warning citizens of extreme weather during OND short rains.
- Fierce storms cause widespread structural damage and business disruptions in Kisumu East.
- Authorities announce immediate infrastructure interventions to mitigate future inundations.
