Road safety dos and don'ts as heavy rains pound parts of Kenya
Explainers
By
Ronald Kipruto
| Mar 05, 2026
Kenya Met warns of heavy rainfall across Nairobi, parts of Rift Valley, Lake Victoria Basin and Coast. [File, Standard]
Following a weather advisory, the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has issued road safety alerts as heavy rains continue to pound parts of the country.
The Kenya Meteorological Department earlier in the week said moderate to heavy downpours are expected to persist in both urban and rural areas, raising the risk of flooding and reducing visibility on roads.
Due to heavy rain, fog, and slippery road conditions, KeNHA has urged motorists to slow down and maintain a safe distance between vehicles.
Drivers have been advised to avoid overtaking during heavy rain or fog and to refrain from attempting to drive through flooded sections of roads.
READ MORE
Summit billions, little relief: economist questions Africa Forward gains
Kenya's trade deficit widens to Sh1.6tr on raised maize imports
How startups are using tech to solve farmers' biggest challenges
Why State is in rush to push job creation in cotton value chain
Revealed: How SMEs are losing millions to lack of circular economy certification rules
Conservation pays: How protecting rivers has built a rural economy
The rent-a-stress economy blowing into a full-scale economic liquidity crisis
Smart Applications AI app to reduce claims fraud, up quality
Africa's invoice is now being written to those who owe it
Two Rivers SEZ TRIFIC lists Sh4.8b green building fund on NSE
Motorcyclists and cyclists have also been urged to wear reflective gear to improve visibility.
Pedestrians are advised to avoid walking close to fast-moving traffic during heavy rainfall.
KeNHA warned that the downpours could cause traffic delays, temporary road closures and an increased risk of accidents, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas.
Preparedness measures
Earlier this week, while issuing a weather forecast for Tuesday, March 3 to Monday, March 9, Kenya MET warned residents in areas with poor drainage and low-lying terrain to prepare for possible waterlogging.
Residents living downstream have also been cautioned that flooding may occur even without heavy rainfall in their immediate areas.
The weatherman urged Kenyans to remain alert for flash floods and sudden water accumulation on roads and in residential areas. The public has also been advised to avoid open fields during storms to reduce the risk of lightning-related accidents.
Authorities have called on residents to stay informed and closely monitor weather updates throughout the rainy season.
Counties placed 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.