Kajiado County issues evacuation alert for flood-prone Kitengela town estates

Met Department has predicted heavy rains in several parts of the country./HANDOUT

The county government of Kajiado has issued an evacuation alert for persons living near flood-prone areas of Kitengela town as heavy rains are predicted in the area today.

Those who live next to river banks and other lower areas have been told to move immediately to avoid a looming disaster due to the expected flooding in parts of the town.

“The public is hereby notified that due to the anticipated heavy rains from March 5, 2026 and the already rising water levels, all residents living along riverbanks and other flood-prone areas within the Kitengela municipality are advised to evacuate immediately to safer, higher grounds,” the notice dated March 4, 2026, states.

The county stated that the precautionary measure is issued to safeguard lives and property against potential flooding risks, specifically residential homes in low-lying areas, which include illegal structures along Deliverance/Balozi/Baraka Road (bridges & surrounding areas, churches included).

Others are Kyangombe, New Valley, Korompoi River and its environs, and Noonkopir Wama and surrounding areas.

“Any illegal structures obstructing water flows will be brought down. Motorists are advised to exercise caution during this period. Schools and parents must equally take precaution,” the public notice signed by the municipal manager, Kitengela, reads in part.

Heavy rains in April and May 2024 caused severe flooding in Kitengela, forcing residents in areas like Korompoi and Wama Estate to evacuate as rivers broke their banks, with over 200 families displaced.

The Kenya Meteorological Department has already warned residents of Nairobi Metropolis that the heavy rains will peak between March 4 and 7.

The weatherman reported that Kajiado County would receive heavy rainfall in scattered pockets, especially in the northern and western parts of the county.

Consequently, the Met had warned of a high risk of flooding, cautioning residents living in the aforementioned areas against certain behavior that would put their lives at risk.

Flash flood risk is high in poor drainage urban spots and rising rivers downstream. Never drive or walk through moving water. Avoid trees and windows during storms," Kenya Met wrote.

Machakos County will receive heavy rainfall around Masinga, Mavoko, Machakos Town, Kathiani, and the low areas of the county.

Neighbouring Kiambu County is also expected to experience moderate to heavy downpours, particularly in Gatundu, Thika, Juja, Ruiru, Limuru, and Kikuyu, where rainfall totals could exceed 60 mm in some areas.