The Interior Ministry Cabinet Secretary, Kipchumba Murkomen, has ordered the deployment of multi-agency security teams across the country ahead of anticipated heavy rains expected to intensify during the Idd-ul-Fitr holiday weekend.
The directive issued on March 19 places multi-agency teams on high alert, with personnel drawn from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), National Police Service (NPS), Kenya Coast Guard Services (KCSG), and National Government Administration Officers (NGAO) stationed in vulnerable regions nationwide.
The move comes as the Kenya Meteorological Department warned on March 18 that heavy rainfall will begin as of Friday, peak through the weekend, and persist until Tuesday.
The very same advisory says the rains are expected to hit multiple regions, including the Lake Victoria Basin, Rift Valley, and central highlands, with Nairobi among areas likely to experience sustained downpours and potential disruption to daily activities.
Cars submerged in flood water in Nairobi, Friday, March 6, 2026.
Photo
Courtesy
Counties listed as high-risk include Turkana, Samburu, Migori, Nyamira, Bungoma, Busia, Kakamega, Vihiga, West Pokot, Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, Trans Nzoia, Nandi, Uasin Gishu, Nakuru, Siaya, Kisumu, and Homa Bay.
Others expected to be affected are Kisii, Kericho, Bomet, Kiambu, Embu, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Laikipia, Tharaka Nithi, Meru, Narok, Kajiado, Makueni, Machakos, Taita Taveta, and Kitui.
Coastal and northern regions, including Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi, Garissa, Marsabit, Isiolo, Wajir, Mandera, and Tana River, are also projected to receive significant rainfall, raising fears of flash floods and infrastructure strain.
The government’s response follows a devastating flood season that has already claimed 73 lives, with seven people still missing. Of these people, 36 are from Nairobi City.
Data released by the National Disaster Management Unit (NDMU) and the Kenya Red Cross shows that 68,975 people from 13,795 households have been displaced, while an additional 66,568 people across 13,313 households have been affected, losing homes, property, and access to essential services.
The impact has been severe in more than 20 counties, where floods have destroyed schools, markets, roads, and key infrastructure, including water supply systems and electricity networks, further complicating recovery efforts for affected communities.
The government also asks Kenyans living in landslide-risk areas such as the Aberdare ranges and Mt Kenya slopes to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures during the ongoing rainy period.
The government is also advising the public to avoid crossing flooded roads, stay away from fast-moving water, and exercise caution during storms, especially in areas that may not have previously experienced heavy rainfall.
Even as Kenyans prepare to celebrate Idd-ul-Fitr, the government is calling for caution, community support, and adherence to safety guidelines to prevent further loss of life during what is expected to be a challenging weekend.
KDF’s Military Rapid Response Unit assisting in clearing traffic at the Kariokor-Ring Road roundabout, Friday, March 6, 2026.
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KDF
