Mombasa County Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir has ordered the closure of public beaches for a period of two days, Saturday, May 24, 205, and Sunday, May 25.
In a statement issued on the night of Friday, May 23, Governor Nassir also ordered the suspension of ocean-based activities until further notice.
He has also ordered for the temporary halting of all construction activities. This is meant to ensure safety after the Kenya Meteorological Department on Friday, May 23, 2025, issued a severe weather alert for May 23–25, 2025.
Weatherman’s warning
The weatherman forecasted strong winds exceeding 35 knots (65 km/h) and waves over 2 metres in the Southeast Lowlands, Northwest Kenya, and coastal areas.
This is driven by a high-pressure system in the Indian Ocean, a pattern often linked to seasonal monsoon shifts in East Africa.
The alert highlights risks of structural damage, like roofs being torn off, and marine disruptions, particularly affecting coastal communities and fishing activities, with historical data showing similar conditions in May 2018 causing over Ksh500 million in damages along the Kenyan coast.
According to the Kenya Met, the wind speeds are likely to reduce to 25 knots (12.9 m/s) on Monday, 26 May, 2025, with wave heights expected to be more than 2.0 meters over the Kenya coastal waters from Friday, May 23, 2025, to Sunday, May 25, 2025.
They are, however, expected to reduce to below 2.0 meters on Monday, May 26, 2025.
“Strong southerly winds of more than 30 knots (15.4 m/s) are expected over the Coast, the South-eastern lowlands and Northwestern Kenya on Friday, 23 May 2025. The wind speed is expected to strengthen to more than 35 knots (18.0 m/s) on Saturday, 24th May 2025, and Sunday, 25th May 2025. Wind speeds are likely to reduce to 25 knots (12.9 m/s) on Monday, 26 May, 2025. Wave heights are likely to be more than 2.0 metres over the Kenya coastal waters from Friday, 23 May 2025, to Sunday, 25 May 2025. They are expected to reduce to below 2.0 meters on Monday, 26 May 2025,” the weatherman’s alert read.
Counties to be affected
Counties of Marsabit, Turkana, Samburu, Isiolo, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, Kitui, Makueni, Taita Taveta, Tana River, Lamu, Kilifi, Mombasa and Kwale were listed as areas to be affected by the weather condition.
“Residents in all the mentioned areas are advised to be on the lookout for potential gales (very strong winds) and large waves over the Indian Ocean. Strong winds may blow off roofs and cause structural damage. Large waves may lower visibility and affect marine activities,” the Kenya Met advised.
