The Kenya Metrological Department on Thursday warned of heavy rains that are likely to pound several parts of the country from Friday.
The weatherman in an advisory on Thursday has listed Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, Isiolo, Embu, Nyeri, Kiambu, Nyandarua, Laikipia, Murang’a, Meru, Kirinyaga, Tharaka Nithi, Kwale, and Mombasa as counties which are of concern.
As a result, residents in the said counties have been advised to be on the lookout for potential floods.
An advisory signed by Kennedy Thiong’o on behalf of the Director Kenya Meteorological Department said the heavy rainfall which has hit several parts of the country is expected to intensify as the country heads into the weekend.
Thiong’o said the rains will intensify from Friday over the Northeastern and central parts of the country and are expected to spread to several parts of Northeastern, the Central Highlands and South Coast.
The rains according to the weatherman will be accompanied by gusty winds, adding that flood waters may appear in places where it has not rained heavily especially downstream.
“Residents are advised to avoid driving through, or walking in moving water or open fields and not to shelter under trees and near grilled windows when raining to minimize exposure to lightning strikes,” Thiong’o said.
“The strong winds may blow off roofs, uproot trees and cause structural damages. Updates will be provided promptly if there are any changes,” he added.
The advisory has been addressed to the Environment CS and PS, the Presidency; the National Intelligence Service, the Kenya Red Cross, the Kenya Maritime Authority and the Kenya Ports Authority.
Others include the National Disaster Operations Centre, National Disaster Management Unit, Media, Relevant Government Ministries, Council of Governors and the County Directors of Meteorological Services (CDMs).
The advisory comes even as the Ministry of Education said it will need 15 helicopters to administer national examinations in certain regions of the country if they experience heavy rains.
The report by Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu, which was presented by the Education Committee chairperson Julius Melly on the floor of the House, said Sh500 million will be needed for the helicopters.
“Kenya National Examination Council is engaging a multi-agency coordinating team under the leadership of the Office of the Deputy President and the Kenya Defence Force to assist in the provision of the helicopters and other needs as they may arise,” the report said.
The Kenya Meteorological Department has predicted heavy rains in various parts of the country that may have an impact on the administration of the examinations.