Kenyans brace for rainy season
Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) has asked Kenyans to expect a prolonged rainy season in the country amid a heavy downfall in Nairobi.
Commuters and other motorists in Nairobi were on Tuesday evening urged to be cautious following heavy flooding occasioned by the heavy downpour.
The warning came after an afternoon downpour in Nairobi on Tuesday left motorists along Waiyaki and Mbagathi Roads get stuck in traffic for hours.
Motorists using Mbagathi Way were affected after a tree fell in the middle of the road while on the busy Waiyaki highway had vehicles almost fully submerged with motorcycles unable to move.
“The forecast indicates that the Lake Victoria Basin, the Highlands East of the Rift Valley (including Nairobi County), the Highlands West of the Rift Valley, the Northwest, the Southern Rift Valley, the Central Rift Valley, and the Southeastern lowlands are likely to experience enhanced rainfall,” the statement read in part.
Due to the ongoing construction of the Nairobi Expressway, the road has been experiencing heavy traffic snarl-ups due to the perceived poor drainage issue.
Some of the key hotspots reported are ABC place and Westlands.
The floods once again exposed the lack of preparedness by the authorities despite warnings from the meteorological department on the pending rains.
Motorists headed for the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport were among those affected owing to the flooding at City Cabanas area slowed movement of vehicles.
Residents of South C were as usual also affected as the floods raged into their houses.
The area has perennially been affected by floods whenever it rains in the city.
According to the meteorological department the rains are expected to continue for the next week.
Kenyans normally witness the long rains between March and May of each year.