Government to cover hospital bills for flood victims, President Ruto Says

President William Ruto has promised that the government will meet hospital bills for those injured or affected by the recent devastating floods in Nairobi and other parts of the country.

"The Government will meet the hospital bills of those injured or affected by the flooding and currently receiving treatment in public health facilities," Ruto said.

He also pledged emergency humanitarian support for families displaced or facing hardship.

“The ongoing flooding in parts of Nairobi and several other areas of our country has caused immense distress to many families, resulting in the tragic loss of lives, displacement of residents, and damage to homes, property, and livelihoods,” President Ruto said in a statement.

“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.”

The floods, caused by heavy overnight rainfall, have left at least 23 people dead, according to the National Police Service (NPS).

Residents in areas including Mukuru, Kibra, Mathare, Huruma, South B and C, Pipeline/Embakasi, Roysambu, Kahawa West, Githurai, and parts of Westlands were among the worst affected.

Rising waters have also disrupted key highways such as Uhuru Highway, Mombasa Road, the Thika Superhighway, Jogoo Road, Enterprise Road, and Lang’ata Road.

President Ruto said the government is acting quickly to ease the suffering.

“The Government stands in solidarity with every citizen affected, and we are acting swiftly to alleviate further suffering and safeguard lives,” he said.

To support rescue operations, a multi-agency emergency response team has been deployed.

Led by the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, and working closely with the Kenya Defence Forces and other emergency response agencies, the team is coordinating rescue efforts, moving people to safer locations, and providing support to affected communities.

“I have also ordered that relief food from our national strategic reserves be immediately released and distributed to families affected by the floods,” President Ruto added.

Medical support is being prioritised for those injured in the floods. The government will cover hospital bills for victims receiving treatment in public health facilities.

Emergency humanitarian support will also be extended to families facing displacement and hardship during this period.

Muchiri Nyaga, Director of Corporate Communication and spokesperson for the National Police Service, said rescue operations have been ongoing overnight.

“We are pleased to report that 29 people were successfully rescued from various locations and are receiving the necessary support,” he said. Authorities said response teams remain fully deployed, responding to distress calls and continuing with search and rescue missions.

“We are monitoring the situation closely and are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all Kenyans, residents, and visitors,” Muchiri added.

President Ruto also emphasised collaboration with county governments to ensure a coordinated response.

“The national government is working closely with the Nairobi City County Government and other county administrations to ensure a coordinated response that prioritises the safety and well-being of our citizens,” he said.

The President noted that the floods highlight the need for long-term solutions to urban flooding. He pointed to ongoing efforts under the Nairobi River Regeneration Programme.

“The ongoing Nairobi River Regeneration Programme remains a critical part of our long-term strategy to restore river ecosystems, improve drainage systems, and reduce the risks associated with flooding within the city. These efforts will be strengthened and accelerated as part of our commitment to protecting lives, property, and the environment,” he said.