NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenyans are being advised to prepare for cooler conditions, particularly in the highlands east of the Rift Valley, the Rift Valley region, and Nairobi County, as the meteorological outlook for June, July, and August commences.
The Kenya Meteorological Department has indicated that parts of the southeastern lowlands and isolated areas within Marsabit County will also experience cool, cloudy weather accompanied by occasional light rainfall.
The Director of Meteorological Services, Dr. David Gikungu, has urged the public to dress warmly and follow guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health. He cautioned that the cold weather, especially in Nairobi and adjacent highland areas, could lead to an increase in respiratory illnesses such as asthma, pneumonia, influenza, and the common cold.
Dr. Gikungu also warned against the use of charcoal jikos in poorly ventilated indoor spaces due to the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Furthermore, motorists traveling along the Nakuru–Nairobi highway, particularly the stretch from Kikuyu to Kinungi, have been advised to exercise caution due to anticipated fog and reduced visibility.
Similar precautions apply to operations at Wilson and Jomo Kenyatta International Airports, which could face intermittent disruptions due to foggy conditions.
Conversely, regions around Lake Victoria, the highlands west of the Rift Valley, the northwestern areas, and parts of the coast are likely to receive near to above-average rainfall. The forecast also cautions about the potential for isolated flooding in low-lying and flood-prone areas, especially around Lake Victoria.
Residents in these areas are urged to avoid crossing flooded rivers or walking through moving water. The public has also been warned of an elevated risk of lightning strikes in the highlands west of the Rift Valley and advised against seeking shelter under trees or near metallic structures during thunderstorms.
Increased rainfall may also heighten the risk of landslides in Elgeyo Marakwet and West Pokot counties, while dry and windy conditions in northeastern Kenya are expected to result in dust storms, potentially leading to an increase in eye infections.
In addition, warmer-than-average temperatures in certain parts of the country, notably around the coast and western Kenya, could lead to increased malaria transmission. Health officials have been asked to ensure the availability of medical supplies and insecticide-treated mosquito nets to mitigate this risk.
Kenyans are being urged to remain vigilant, pay attention to official weather forecasts, and take necessary precautionary measures to ensure their safety throughout this weather period.
