Death toll in Kenya floods rises to 25 as heavy rains continue

Kenya is grappling with one of its deadliest flooding episodes in recent years, as the Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes, Geoffrey Ruku, confirmed that 25 people have died following heavy rains across several counties.

Of the reported deaths, 21 were adult males, while four were children – two in Nairobi and two in Kitui County. Ruku extended his condolences to the families affected by the disaster.

“Currently, 25 deaths have been reported, comprising 21 male adults, 2 male children in Nairobi and 2 male children in Kitui County. We convey our sincere condolences to the affected families,” CS Ruku announced.

The floods have hit both urban and rural areas, with Nairobi, Kiambu, Kajiado, Makueni, Nakuru, Migori, Muranga, Bungoma, Kwale, Kirinyaga, and Tharaka Nithi counties experiencing severe impacts.

In Nairobi alone, 3,500 households have been affected, while in Kisumu County, 381 households were impacted when the river burst its banks. Reports of flooding continue to emerge from other flood-prone counties.

Situation in Nairobi

The situation in Nairobi has been particularly severe. According to Nairobi police boss George Seda, search and rescue operations are ongoing as floodwaters continue to disrupt daily life. Seda noted that more than 100 vehicles have been damaged, including over 50 in South C alone, either submerged or overturned.

“The teams are out there for a search and rescue mission. Most roads and estates were flooded, making it impossible for the rescue mission last night,” Seda said.

Heavy rains have led to widespread traffic chaos, with key roads such as Uhuru Highway, Mombasa Road, and Kirinyaga Road submerged. Residents in low-lying areas have been displaced as floodwaters entered homes, especially in Nairobi West, South C, South B, Kilimani, Parklands, Eastlands, and the city centre.

Commuters abandoned vehicles and waded through water on streets turned into streams. Flights bound for Nairobi Airport were cancelled or diverted due to the flooding. Earlier reports by the National Police Service (NPS) had put the death toll in Nairobi alone at 23.

The Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) has warned that rainfall will continue across many parts of the country, raising the risk of further flooding, property damage, and displacement.

Heavier-than-usual rainfall is expected in western and Rift Valley counties, southeastern counties, coastal regions, and northern areas, including Nandi, Kakamega, Bungoma, Mombasa, Kilifi, Marsabit, Mandera, and Turkana, among others. River levels are projected to rise through March 9, 2026.

Ruto mobilises flood response

President William Ruto announced that the government would cover hospital bills for those injured or affected by the floods and extend emergency humanitarian support to displaced families. He also directed the deployment of a multi-agency emergency response team led by the Ministry of Interior, working closely with the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and other agencies to coordinate rescue efforts.

“I extend my deepest condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are also with all those whose lives have been disrupted by this disaster,” President Ruto said.

The Rapid Response Unit (RRU) of the KDF has been deployed to assist in rescue and emergency response operations. Relief food from national strategic reserves has also been released for distribution to families affected by the floods.

The government emphasised the need for long-term solutions to recurrent flooding in urban areas, highlighting ongoing efforts such as the Nairobi River Regeneration Programme.

Homa Bay County has also been severely affected, with more than 60 families displaced after River Oluch burst its banks. Local chief Irene Ojwang confirmed that household items, crops, and livestock were swept away. Residents have been relocated to safer areas, including local churches and Bala Comprehensive School, while transport along the Bala–Homa Bay Road has been disrupted.

Cabinet Secretary Ruku highlighted that the situation continues to evolve, with reports emerging from other flood-prone counties. Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant, especially when travelling near rivers or on flooded roads. The public has been advised to report any issues to Kenya Power and other emergency services to minimise risk.

This latest disaster comes after previous warnings from KMD of prolonged heavy rainfall across Nairobi and the surrounding counties. Experts have indicated that urbanisation, poor drainage, and riverbank encroachment have worsened the impact of floods, highlighting the urgent need for better urban planning and flood mitigation measures.