Ten people have lost their lives in Nairobi following relentless downpours that triggered widespread flooding across the city. Police confirmed that eight victims died directly in flood-related incidents—six swept away by raging waters, two electrocuted, and two trapped in submerged vehicles.
Nairobi police commander George Seda said search and rescue teams were deployed overnight but faced immense challenges as roads and estates were inundated. “Most roads and estates were flooded, making it impossible for the rescue mission last night,” he explained, adding that more than 100 vehicles were damaged, with over 50 in South C alone.
The flooding caused hours of traffic paralysis, leaving motorists stranded on major roads including Uhuru Highway, where vehicles were engulfed by rising waters.
Cabinet Secretary for Public Service Geoffrey Ruku announced that emergency response measures have been activated. He urged Kenyans to remain vigilant, particularly when travelling on flooded roads or near swollen rivers. “Members of the public are advised to be cautious on the roads for their safety and that of other road users, and to avoid crossing rivers which may have swollen or broken their banks,” he said.
The Kenya Meteorological Department has warned of heavier-than-usual rainfall in multiple regions, including western counties such as Kakamega, Bungoma, and Siaya, Rift Valley counties like Nakuru and Uasin Gishu, as well as southeastern, coastal, and northern counties. The risk of flooding, displacement, and transport disruption remains high.
In Nairobi, low-lying neighborhoods including South B, South C, Kilimani, Parklands, Eastlands, and the city centre have been hardest hit, with drainage systems overwhelmed and homes flooded.
