Heavy rainfall expected this weekend

By Peter Ochieng

Some parts of the country are expected to recieve heavy rainfall for four straight days, starting Friday to Monday next week.

The Kenya Meteorological Department in a statement today (Friday, 12th January, 2024) said rainfall is expected in areas such as Western, Nairobi and the Lake Victoria basin.

"Expect rainfall in Western, Lake Victoria Basin, Rift Valley, Central Highlands including Nairobi, Southeastern and south coast. Isiolo and Samburu may experience precipitation from Friday to Monday," reads the statement in part.

"Isolated storms likely in parts of Highlands East of Rift Valley, including Nairobi County, South Rift Valley, and South-eastern lowlands."

The country has been experiencing heavy rainfall from October, 2023 in what has been termed El Nino, resulting in the death of over 170 people.

Last month, government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura said the rains had caused destruction of various roads across the country.

"We have set up an additional camp to accommodate the displaced. This now raises the total camps to 170 nationally, with 109,179 households comprising about 545,895 people displaced so far. Tana River's water levels have risen significantly from 3.4m to 4.8m over the weekend. Consequently, water has now spilled on the Madogo-Garissa Road," Mwaura stated.

"Although the road remains passable, the increased water levels pose challenges and we advise motorists to be very vigilant and adhere to subsequent alerts. Meanwhile, two of the three damaged sections of the Garsen-Lamu road have been rock-filled by Kenya National Highways Authority. The repair of the third section is ongoing and is estimated to be complete in approximately one week before the road can be fully opened for use," he added.

Garissa, Isiolo, Mandera, Mombasa, Kilifi, Taita Taveta, Meru, Narok, Nairobi, Homabay and Migori have been among the most El Nino hit countries.