The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Heavy rainfall continues to cause widespread disruption across Kenya, with a fatal lightning incident reported in Kaloleni Sub-county, Kilifi County.
Kilifi County Commissioner David Wanyonyi confirmed that the victim’s body was recovered and taken to the Mariakani Hospital mortuary. He noted that the ongoing rains in the region have been accompanied by strong whirlwinds, as authorities intensify public awareness on safety during extreme weather.
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The Kenya Meteorological Department has projected moderate to heavy rainfall in several regions, including the Lake Victoria Basin, southeastern areas, the Coast, Central Kenya, and the Highlands East of the Rift Valley, including Nairobi.
The department has warned of possible flooding, flash floods, slippery road conditions, reduced visibility, and rising river levels. Residents have been urged to avoid flooded roads and refrain from walking or driving through moving water, especially in low-lying and flood-prone zones.
In an earlier advisory issued on Thursday, March 19, the weatherman indicated that rainfall exceeding 20mm within 24 hours would affect various parts of the country through March 24, with peak intensity expected between March 20 and 23.
The ongoing downpours have already disrupted transport, with flooding and heavy silt accumulation reported along the Mai Mahiu–Suswa–Narok Road at Kedong Ranch near Suswa, affecting traffic flow.
Narok County Commissioner Kipkech Lotiata said the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) is working to clear the debris and advised motorists to use alternative routes, including Ngong–Suswa, Nairobi–Naivasha–Nakuru–Mau Narok–Narok, and Nairobi–Naivasha–Longonot–Suswa.
Across the country, the heavy rains have had devastating consequences. In Nairobi, severe flooding has damaged infrastructure and led to loss of life.
As of March 20, at least 73 people had died due to floods, with seven others still missing. More than 2,000 families have been displaced, leaving thousands stranded.
Experts attribute the severity of flooding, particularly in urban areas like Nairobi, to poor drainage systems and illegal developments along waterways.
