Dangerous Road Conditions Expected as Rains and Fog Blanket Much of Kenya

By Kimagata Marindany

Motorists and other road users have been urged to exercise extreme caution as heavy rainfall and fog continue to disrupt visibility and road conditions across large parts of the country.

In a safety alert , the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) warned that the prevailing weather has significantly increased the risk of road accidents, particularly on major highways and low-lying areas.

“Ongoing heavy rainfall and foggy conditions are affecting some parts of the country, significantly heightening road risks due to reduced visibility and slippery surfaces,” the authority said.

NTSA advised drivers to slow down, maintain safe following distances, avoid overtaking in poor visibility and remain alert to flooded sections of roads. Motorcyclists, pedestrians and cyclists were also urged to take extra precautions.

The alert follows a weather advisory from the Kenya Meteorological Department forecasting moderate to heavy rainfall of 20–30 millimetres in several regions. The rains are expected to intensify in some areas through December 29 before easing on December 30.

Regions likely to be affected include the Southeastern lowlands, the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin and parts of the Coast. Counties listed as high-risk include Migori, Homa Bay, Kisii, Narok, Kajiado, Makueni, Machakos, Nairobi, Kericho, Bomet, southern Kitui, Taita Taveta and Kwale.

“Residents in the affected areas should remain alert for possible flooding,” the Met Department said.

Strong southeasterly winds of up to 25 knots are expected in Marsabit County over the next five days. Occasional rainfall is also forecast across much of the southern half of the country, with intensity likely to increase as the week progresses.

Central Kenya counties — including Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu and Tharaka Nithi — are expected to experience cloudy mornings with light rain and sunny intervals, followed by afternoon and night showers. Temperatures will range between 5°C and 29°C.

Similar conditions are forecast for Kitui, Makueni, Machakos, Kajiado, Taita Taveta and inland parts of Tana River County, with temperatures ranging from 13°C to 32°C.

Along the Coast, including Mombasa, Kilifi, Lamu and Kwale counties as well as coastal Tana River, showers are expected for most of the week, except on Friday and Saturday mornings and afternoons. Daytime temperatures may reach 34°C, with nighttime lows of around 23°C.

Rift Valley, Nyanza and Western regions — including Kisumu, Siaya, Homa Bay, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, Nakuru, Narok, Kericho, Bomet, Uasin Gishu, Trans Nzoia, Kakamega, Bungoma and Busia — are forecast to receive rainfall during both day and night, with temperatures ranging from 7°C to 32°C.

In contrast, northern counties such as Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa and Isiolo are expected to experience sunny intervals, with temperatures ranging between 16°C and 37°C. Turkana and Samburu will remain mostly sunny with partly cloudy nights.