Met Department Warns of Heavy Rains During Idd-ul-Fitr Weekend Amid Rising Flood-related Deaths

The Kenya Meteorological Department warned of heavy rainfall expected across many parts of the country during the Idd-ul-Fitr celebrations and extending into early next week.

In a statement on March 19, 2026, the department said the rains would intensify between Friday and Monday before gradually easing on Tuesday, although showers will persist in several regions, including the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, and the central highlands, including Nairobi.

“As Kenyans prepare to mark Idd-ul-Fitr tomorrow, the Meteorological Department has issued a warning of heavy rainfall expected across many parts of the country and continuing through to next Tuesday,” the statement said.

The agency cautioned that the rainy period coincides with increased travel and gatherings, urging the public to remain vigilant.

“This period of heavy rain comes at a time when many families will be travelling and gathering to celebrate. We urge all Kenyans to exercise extra caution, particularly in areas prone to flooding,” the statement added.

Residents were advised to avoid driving or walking through flowing water, remain cautious of flash floods even in areas with little rainfall, avoid sheltering under trees or near metal structures during storms, and stay on high alert in landslide-prone areas such as the Aberdare Range and Mount Kenya slopes.

Counties expected to experience heavy rainfall include Turkana, Samburu, Migori, Nyamira, Bungoma, Busia, Kakamega, Vihiga, West Pokot, Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, Trans Nzoia, Nandi, Uasin Gishu, Nakuru, Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Kisii, Kericho, Bomet and Kiambu. Additional counties likely to be affected are Embu, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Laikipia, Tharaka Nithi, Meru, Nairobi, Narok, Kajiado, Makueni, Machakos, Taita Taveta, Kitui, Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi and Garissa, with parts of Marsabit, Isiolo, Wajir, Mandera and Tana River also expected to receive significant rainfall.

The warning comes against the backdrop of devastating floods that have already claimed 73 lives, with seven people still missing. According to the statement, 68,975 people from 13,795 households have been displaced, while another 66,568 people from 13,313 households have been affected, losing loved ones, homes and property.

“The impact has been widespread,” the statement noted, highlighting severe damage across 21 counties, including Nairobi, Kisumu, Narok, Kiambu, Migori, Siaya, Makueni, Busia, Wajir, Kisii, Homa Bay, Taita Taveta, Baringo, Kajiado, Kitui, Kwale, Machakos, Kericho, Embu, Tharaka Nithi and West Pokot. Floodwaters have destroyed schools, markets, roads and critical water and electricity infrastructure.

In response, multi-agency teams comprising the Kenya Defence Forces, National Police Service, Kenya Coast Guard Service, National Government Administration Officers, county governments, engineers, the Kenya Red Cross and Kenya Power have been deployed to support rescue operations, assist affected families and restore essential services.

“As a country, this moment calls for heightened vigilance, compassion, and collective responsibility,” the statement said. “Even as we celebrate Idd-ul-Fitr, let us look out for one another, support vulnerable members of our communities and follow safety guidance issued by authorities. Your safety, and that of your loved ones, must come first.”

Read: How To Best Protect Your Home, Car and Businesses From Flood Losses Via Insurance

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