Kenyans share harrowing videos of flooded Nairobi streets

Kenyans wade through floodwaters in Nairobi following heavy rains/KENYA POLICE SERVICE X

Kenyans took to social media on Friday night to share harrowing footage of the widespread flooding that paralysed parts of Nairobi following continuous heavy rainfall.

Videos circulating online showed stranded commuters, stalled vehicles, and in some instances, cars being swept away by the rising waters.

The floods hit the capital hard on the evening of March 6, 2026, leaving streets in low-lying areas submerged in ankle-to-knee-deep water.

Some of the worst-affected locations included stretches along Mombasa Road, Parklands, and Mbagathi Way, where floodwaters quickly stranded both pedestrians and motorists.

Several vehicles were forced to stop mid-journey as water levels rose at an alarming rate.

One video showed a vehicle being carried across the road by a pool of floodwater, while another captured a pickup truck sweeping along and pushing parked cars ahead of it.

Vehicles partially submerged in floodwaters on Nairobi streets following heavy rains/SCREENGRAB

Social media users also shared footage of what appeared to be a public service minibus partially filled with water, passengers trapped inside, and forced to step through chest-high water to exit safely.

In the same clip, other vehicles nearby were either half or nearly fully submerged, underscoring the scale of the flooding.

Another video from Mombasa Road showed passengers forming a human chain, holding hands as they waded through floodwaters to reach a safer location.

Floodwaters invade homes in Nairobi/SCREENGRAB

In some households, the floods entered homes, leaving living rooms, kitchens, and compounds partially submerged.

Videos showed residents trying to salvage belongings while contending with water that had risen halfway up furniture and appliances.

Certain estates were also reported to be partially submerged, underscoring the magnitude of the rains across the city.

At the Sunken Car Park along Aga Khan Walk in the central business district, water levels rose halfway up parked vehicles, creating hazardous conditions for both pedestrians and drivers.

Commuters reported being trapped in traffic jams for hours as flooded streets and stalled vehicles brought movement to a near standstill.

Beyond the capital, other parts of the country also faced flooding.

In Migori County, traders along the banks of the River Migori suffered heavy losses after the river burst its banks for the second time in days.

Floodwaters swept through trading centres, destroying wooden stalls, kiosks, and temporary structures, leaving traders stranded and struggling to salvage their goods.

Witnesses said the river swelled rapidly overnight, affecting both markets and nearby residential areas.

The Kenya Police Service has since released a statement warning the public to exercise caution as heavy rains continue across the country.

Residents have been advised to avoid flooded roads, stay away from fast-flowing rivers and drainage channels, and drive carefully due to poor visibility.

"Our officers are on the ground working with emergency teams to support communities and keep everyone safe. Report dangerous situations to the nearest police station or emergency services. Let’s stay safe and look out for one another," the statement said.