Floods update: 10 dead as heavy rains hit Nairobi

Ten people have died following heavy rains in Nairobi after more bodies were recovered. 

According to the police, eight people died in the floods: six were swept away by the water, including two who were electrocuted, and two others died in their vehicles.

Nairobi police boss George Seda said search and rescue operations were ongoing on Saturday.

“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,” he said.

He added that more than 100 vehicles were damaged, including over 50 in South C alone.

“Others were overturned on the roadside and parking bays,” Seda said.

The heavy rains caused traffic chaos across the city for hours.

The government has activated emergency response measures after the Kenya Meteorological Department warned that heavy rainfall will continue in many parts of the country, raising the risk of flooding, displacement, and transport disruption.

Cabinet Secretary for Public Service Geoffrey Ruku said the ministry is coordinating national disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts.

He urged Kenyans to remain vigilant, especially 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,” Ruku said.

The Kenya Meteorological Department forecasted heavier-than-usual rainfall in western and Rift Valley counties, including Nandi, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Siaya, Busia, Baringo, Nakuru, Trans-Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Kisii, Nyamira, Kericho, Bomet, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, and Narok.

Southeastern counties such as Machakos, Kitui, Makueni, Kajiado, and Taita Taveta, coastal counties including Mombasa, Kilifi, Lamu, Kwale, and Tana River, as well as northern counties, Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, Isiolo, Turkana, and Samburu, are also expected to experience heavy downpours.

Nairobi continues to experience intense rainfall, which has flooded several roads and disrupted movement in parts of the city. Low-lying areas have been particularly affected, with some residents displaced after floodwaters entered homes.

The downpour, which began in the evening, overwhelmed drainage systems in neighbourhoods including Nairobi West, South C, South B, Kilimani, Parklands, Eastlands, and the city centre.

Motorists on Uhuru Highway were among the hardest hit, with vehicles submerged as floodwaters engulfed sections of the busy road.

Flooding has also turned streets into streams in many parts of the city, forcing some commuters to abandon vehicles and wade through the water.

Residents in South C reported floods in their homes after drainage systems failed to cope with the sudden surge.