The Kenya Red Cross Society and MOJA Expressway Company have issued safety guidelines as heavy rains are forecast across the country from February 21 to 25. These advisories aim to prevent flood-related incidents and road accidents during the downpours. The Kenya Meteorological Department has warned of moderate to heavy rainfall with a 33 to 66 percent probability of occurrence.
The Kenya Red Cross Society has issued urgent safety guidelines ahead of anticipated heavy rainfall, urging residents to take precautionary measures against life-threatening floods. These tips come as the Kenya Meteorological Department issues a heavy rainfall advisory, warning of intense rainfall expected across most parts of the country starting Friday through Tuesday, February 25. The advisory places the severity at moderate to heavy, with a probability ranging between 33 percent and 66 percent.
Among the critical tips, the Red Cross warns that just six inches of moving water is enough to knock a person off their feet, and a single foot of moving water can sweep a vehicle away. Kenyans are advised to evacuate immediately to elevated areas in case of flooding, switch off electricity at the main switch if homes flood, and avoid downed power lines and muddy waters. Residents should not drive across flooded bridges, park or engage in activities near rivers and streams during rainfall, and use a stick to gauge water depth before wading through flooded areas. The public is urged to stay informed by listening to radio and television for updates on rainfall patterns and active flooding.
Meanwhile, the MOJA Expressway Company has cautioned motorists on the Nairobi Expressway amid ongoing downpours. The company emphasizes ensuring sufficient vehicle tyre tread depth and proper inflation for grip on wet surfaces. Drivers are advised to slow down to allow more time to react to sudden splashes, braking vehicles, or obstacles, increase following distance to avoid rear-end collisions, and remain visible with headlights and functional wipers.
"Here are safety tips in the rainy season. Ensure tyre tread depth is sufficient and tyres are properly inflated, slow down to give yourself more time to react to sudden splashes and braking, increase your following distance and stay visible," reads part of the statement.
The rains mark the start of Kenya's long rainy season, typically from late February through March and May, subsiding in June. Counties on the watch list include Nairobi, Mombasa, Migori, Kakamega, Bungoma, Kericho, Kisii, Nyamira, Bomet, Narok, Kajiado, Embu, Murang'a, Nyeri, Tharaka-Nithi, Machakos, Makueni, Kitui, Kwale, Taita-Taveta, Kilifi, and southern Tana River. The Lake Victoria Basin, Rift Valley, and highlands west and east of the Rift, including Nairobi, are expected to receive over 20mm of rainfall within 24 hours on February 21, deteriorating to exceed 30mm from February 22 through 24. Residents in areas without direct rainfall are urged to remain vigilant, as upstream water can cause unexpected flooding. Kenyans needing emergency assistance can contact the Kenya Red Cross at 1199, operational around the clock.
