Met and Red Cross issue warning over strong winds along Kenyan Coast

The Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) and the Kenya Red Cross have issued a marine safety alert for the Kenyan coast, warning of large ocean waves and strong winds through the weekend. The alert covers Kilifi, Mombasa, Kwale and Lamu counties, where thousands of artisanal fishermen, boat operators, beach operators and tourists depend on the Indian Ocean. According to the translated advisory, KMD warned: "Bahari inaweza kuwa na mawimbi makubwa katika vipindi mbali mbali hii wiki" (The ocean may experience large waves at different intervals this week). The warning means sea conditions may change rapidly, with periods of high swells posing risks to small boats and people along the shoreline. The advisory also warns that strong winds could make sea travel dangerous, particularly for small boats. "Strong winds may make sea journeys dangerous, especially for small boats," the advisory says.