Nairobi, Kenya — May 9, 2026, 10:20 PM: The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued its latest 24-hour weather forecast, warning of continued rainfall and strong winds across several counties across Kenya from Friday evening through Saturday, May 9.
According to the advisory, widespread showers and thunderstorms are expected in multiple regions, with heavier rainfall forecast in the Highlands both east and west of the Rift Valley.
The forecast also warns of strong southerly and southeasterly winds exceeding 25 knots (12.5 metres per second) in parts of the North Western, North Eastern, and South Eastern lowlands.
The weather alert comes as Kenya continues to experience seasonal rainfall patterns that have previously triggered flooding, transport disruptions, and damage to infrastructure.
Heavy Rainfall Expected in Western Kenya and Rift Valley
Friday night saw showers and thunderstorms reported across the western highlands, the Lake Victoria Basin, and parts of the Rift Valley.
Affected counties include:
- Kakamega
- Vihiga
- Busia
- Bungoma
- Kisumu
- Kisii
- Nyamira
- Migori
- Siaya
- Homa Bay
- Kericho
- Nandi
- Bomet
- Nakuru
- Elgeyo Marakwet
- West Pokot
- Baringo
- Uasin Gishu
- Trans Nzoia
- Narok
The department said scattered morning rains are expected on Saturday before widespread afternoon thunderstorms develop.
Nairobi and Central Kenya to Experience Intermittent Showers
In the eastern highlands, including Nyeri, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Embu, Meru, Kiambu, Tharaka Nithi, Laikipia, Nyandarua, and Nairobi, overnight showers were recorded.
Saturday morning is expected to feature sunny intervals with light rainfall in isolated areas before showers and thunderstorms return later in the afternoon.
Urban flooding concerns remain high in Nairobi during heavy rainfall periods, according to assessments by the National Disaster Operations Centre (NDOC) and the Kenya Red Cross Society.
Strong Winds Forecast in Northern Kenya
In north-western Kenya, including Turkana and Samburu, isolated showers were reported overnight.
The forecast indicates sunny intervals and light rains in the morning, with possible thunderstorms later in the day.
Turkana is also expected to experience strong southeasterly winds exceeding 25 knots.
Meanwhile, north-eastern counties including Marsabit, Garissa, Mandera, Wajir, and Isiolo are expected to experience partly cloudy conditions with isolated showers.
The Kenya Meteorological Department said winds above 25 knots are likely in Marsabit, Garissa, and Isiolo counties.
South Eastern and Coastal Regions Also Affected
In the south-eastern lowlands, including Machakos, Makueni, Kitui, Taita Taveta, and Kajiado, overnight showers were recorded in several areas.
Sunny intervals mixed with light rains are expected in the morning before afternoon showers develop.
Strong southerly winds exceeding 25 knots are likely in Makueni, Kitui, and Taita Taveta.
Along the coast, including Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi, Lamu, and Tana River, partly cloudy skies and isolated showers were observed Friday night.
Similar weather conditions are expected to persist through Saturday.
Public Advised to Remain Vigilant
Weather experts and disaster response agencies have urged residents in flood-prone and wind-affected areas to remain cautious.
Institutions such as the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) have previously stressed the importance of early weather warnings in reducing risks associated with extreme weather events.
