Flash floods have wreaked havoc across nearly half of Kenya, claiming the lives of at least 32 individuals while two remain missing. Over 103,500 people have been affected by the deluge, with intense rainfall since mid-March exacerbating the situation over the past week. The Kenyan Red Cross reports conducting over 188 rescues since the onset of the rains.
In Nairobi, several neighborhoods remain submerged, prompting the closure of some roads on Wednesday. Senator Edwin Sifuna expressed concern, stating that the county government is overwhelmed and urging national emergency services to intervene. He shared a video showing residents trapped on rooftops in a Nairobi informal settlement.
The Kenya Red Cross Society conducted a rescue operation in Mathare 4A, saving 18 people stranded by floodwaters. Meanwhile, two major highways out of Nairobi experienced heavy traffic due to water submersion. The Kenya Urban Roads Authority closed affected roads partially and warned of flooding on others.
As a precaution, Kenya Railways suspended commuter train services nationwide to ensure customer safety. The Kenya Meteorological Department issued warnings of “heavy to very heavy” rainfall in various parts of the country, urging continued vigilance and preparedness for potential flooding.
