The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a marine weather warning over potentially hazardous sea conditions along Kenya’s coastal and offshore waters, advising fishers, mariners and other sea users to take extra precautions.
In its advisory released on Friday, the department warned that strong winds could trigger rough to very rough seas in some areas, posing risks to vessels, particularly small boats operating in exposed waters.
Kenya Met said east-south-easterly to south-south-westerly winds were expected, with speeds ranging from four to 24 knots, equivalent to approximately two to 12 metres per second.
“Sea conditions are expected to range from light to rough, with locally very rough seas possible in areas experiencing stronger winds and higher waves,” the department stated.
The meteorological agency cautioned that variations in wind strength and wave activity could make navigation difficult and compromise the stability of smaller vessels, putting crews and passengers at risk.
Fishers and other marine operators have been urged to assess sea conditions before setting out, remain alert to sudden weather changes and follow official forecasts for updates on wind and wave activity.
“Small boats and other vessels operating in exposed waters should take appropriate safety precautions and closely monitor official marine weather updates,” the department further warned.
Kenya Met noted that the severity of the conditions would vary across the coastal and offshore waters, with areas experiencing stronger winds and higher waves facing the possibility of very rough seas.
The advisory serves as a precaution to help marine operators make informed decisions, safeguard lives and protect vessels as weather conditions evolve.
