EXPLAINER: Recommended Flood Safety Tips As MET Issues Rain Advisory
The Kenya Red Cross Society has issued urgent safety advice ahead of expected heavy rains, asking inhabitants across the country to take immediate precautions to avoid life-threatening flooding.
The safety suggestions come as the Kenya Meteorological Department issues a heavy rainfall advisory, warning of heavy rains forecast across much of the country from Friday to Tuesday, February 25.
The Kenya Meteorological Department advisory classifies forecast rainfall as moderate to heavy, with a likelihood of occurrence ranging from 33% to 66%, prompting concerns among inhabitants in vulnerable areas.
Red Cross Safety Tips
Among the important tips offered, the Red Cross warns that even six inches of flowing water can knock a person off their feet, a reality that many Kenyans overlook during floods.
Heavy rains forecast across multiple counties from 21–25 Feb.
— Kenya Red Cross (@KenyaRedCross) February 20, 2026
Please take necessary precautions and monitor official updates from the @MeteoKenya. pic.twitter.com/MtqNHwytsd
The Red Cross further warns that a single foot of flowing water can entirely sweep away a vehicle, making driving on flooded roadways highly risky and potentially lethal.
Kenyans are encouraged to escape promptly to elevated places in the event of flooding, turn off electricity at the main switch if their homes flood, and avoid downed power lines and muddy water.
Residents have also been cautioned not to drive across flooded bridges, park, or conduct activities near rivers and streams after heavy rain.
They’ve also been advised to use a stick to gauge water depth before wading through flooded areas.
The Kenya Red Cross is further urging the public to stay informed by listening to radio and television stations for regular updates on rainfall patterns and areas experiencing active flooding across the country.
Kenya Meteorology Department Alert
With the rains expected to intensify significantly over the coming days, the Kenya Red Cross is calling on all residents in affected counties to stay alert, heed official advisories, and prioritise personal safety above all else.
Several parts of the country may experience moderate(5-20mm) to heavy (>20mm) rainfall within 24 hours. Isolated storms ⛈️ are also likely, especially during the afternoon, evening, and early morning hours.
— Kenya Met Department 🇰🇪 (@MeteoKenya) February 21, 2026
✅ Stay informed with real-time updates:
🔗 Join our WhatsApp channel:… https://t.co/USu0H0Dnil pic.twitter.com/2jzAfJNw6V
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.
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The Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, and highlands both west and east of the Rift Valley, including Nairobi, are expected to receive over 20mm of rainfall within 24 hours on February 21.
According to the Kenya Met, weather conditions are expected to deteriorate significantly by Saturday, February 22, with rainfall likely to exceed 30mm within 24 hours and continue through Monday, February 24.
Residents in areas not experiencing direct rainfall have also been urged to remain vigilant, as water from upstream regions can travel quickly and cause unexpected flooding in otherwise dry locations.
Kenyans requiring emergency assistance during this period can reach the Kenya Red Cross through the emergency contact number 1199, which remains operational around the clock to coordinate disaster response.
EXPLAINER: Recommended Flood Safety Tips As MET Issues Rain Advisory
