Residents living along the Kenyan Coast are being urged to prepare for potentially dangerous weather and sea conditions expected between September and December 2026, with authorities warning of heavy rainfall, strong winds, rough seas, high waves and reduced visibility.
The warning comes as Kenya heads into the October to December rainfall season, which is expected to bring above average rainfall to much of the country, including several coastal counties.
Sunsetinafrica.co.ke has learnt that the Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) has issued a public safety advisory covering the period from September through December, urging coastal communities, fishermen, boat operators, passengers and other sea users to take extra precautions as conditions change.
The authority warned that strong winds, high waves, rough seas, heavy rainfall and reduced visibility could create dangerous conditions for vessels and people operating at sea or along the coastline.
Which coastal areas are affected?
The warning is particularly relevant to the coastal counties of Mombasa, Kilifi, Kwale and Lamu, as well as communities living and working along the coastline.
Kenya’s October to December rainfall outlook has also identified Mombasa, Kilifi, Kwale, Lamu and Tana River among areas expected to receive above average rainfall.
The Kenya Meteorological Department expects the coastal rains to begin around the second to third week of October, with the season expected to ease around the first to second week of December in Mombasa, Kwale, Lamu, Kilifi and the Tana Delta.
This does not mean the Coast will experience continuous heavy rain every day until December. Rather, residents should expect periods of rainfall, including potentially intense episodes, and remain prepared for sudden changes in weather.
The wider seasonal forecast warns that prolonged wet spells and episodes of heavy rainfall could increase the risk of flash floods, waterlogging, infrastructure damage and disruption of transport and other activities.
Fishermen and boat operators urged to be careful
For people whose livelihoods depend on the ocean, the warning is particularly important.
KMA has advised the public to avoid venturing into the sea during periods of adverse weather and rough sea conditions.
Fisherfolk and other maritime users have been urged to exercise extreme caution and postpone non essential activities when conditions deteriorate.
Boat owners and operators have also been advised to properly secure their vessels whether they are underway, moored or anchored.
Passengers and crew members should wear life jackets while on board, while vessels already at sea have been advised to continuously monitor weather updates and seek safe shelter when necessary.
These precautions matter because strong winds, high waves and poor visibility can quickly make conditions difficult for smaller boats and other vessels.
It is not only the sea that residents should worry about
While the maritime warning is particularly important for people who work or travel on the ocean, heavy rainfall could also create problems on land.
Low lying and poorly drained areas can flood quickly when heavy rain falls within a short period. Roads can become difficult to use, drainage systems can overflow and homes and businesses in flood prone areas may be affected.
Mombasa has already experienced flooding in some areas, prompting the county government to step up preparations ahead of the heavier rains expected later in the year.
For households in vulnerable areas, this is therefore the time to clear drainage channels, check roofs and gutters, protect important documents and identify where to move if flooding becomes dangerous.
If you are in a flood-prone area, our earlier guide on how to prepare your home before the El Niño rains has a practical checklist worth going through before the heavier rains arrive.
Drivers should also prepare
Heavy coastal rainfall can quickly affect road visibility and driving conditions.
Drivers should avoid driving through flooded sections of road when the depth of the water cannot be established, slow down when visibility is poor and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.
What should Coast residents do now?
The most important message from authorities is preparation rather than panic.
Residents should keep checking official weather updates from the Kenya Meteorological Department and Kenya Maritime Authority, particularly before travelling by boat or undertaking activities along the shoreline.
People living in flood prone areas should also know the safest route away from their homes and keep essential items, including identification documents, medication and emergency contacts, easily accessible.
Fishermen and boat operators should avoid taking chances when official warnings indicate dangerous sea conditions. A trip that can be postponed is not worth risking a life.
Maritime emergencies and incidents can be reported to the Regional Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (RMRCC) on 0737 719 414 or 0721 368 313.
The Coast’s coming rainy season is therefore about more than carrying an umbrella. For communities that depend on the sea, travel, tourism, fishing and coastal trade, the combination of heavy rain, strong winds and rough seas could affect everyday life in different ways.
The warning gives residents time to prepare before the rains intensify.
