10 dead as heavy rains hit parts of Kenya

At least 10 people have lost their lives as heavy rains continue to pound several parts of the country.

In an update issued by the National Police Service on Friday, seven of the fatalities were reported in the Eastern region, marking it as the hardest-hit area so far.

Police said emergency teams are currently on the ground conducting rescue operations and assisting affected communities, even as access to some areas remains limited due to damaged roads and bridges.

Among the infrastructure affected are two key bridges — Mwena Bridge in Kwale County and Ngomeni Bridge in Kitui County — both of which have been damaged, cutting off transport routes and complicating evacuation and relief efforts.

The situation has been further worsened by a landslide reported in Elgeyo Marakwet, raising fears over the safety of residents living in vulnerable areas.

The police have urged residents to exercise extreme caution, particularly in regions already identified as high-risk.

The Kenya Meteorological Department has maintained that the heavy rains are likely to persist, warning of continued downpours in several regions.

In its monthly forecast during the first week of May 2026, the department said rainfall is expected to persist across many regions.

In particular, the weatherman cited the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, the Coast, and parts of North Eastern Kenya.

Some of these areas are likely to experience heavy rainfall events, especially during the afternoon and evening hours, often accompanied by thunderstorms.

KMD cautioned that the ongoing wet conditions significantly increase the risk of flooding in low-lying areas, river overflows, and landslides in hilly and mountainous regions.

The department further noted that strong southerly to south-easterly winds exceeding 25 knots are expected in parts of North Western Kenya, North Eastern Kenya, the South Eastern lowlands, and along the Coast.

These winds may exacerbate challenging weather conditions, particularly for marine and coastal activities.

The department also warned that the continuation of heavy rains poses risks across key sectors. In agriculture, waterlogging, crop damage, soil erosion, and nutrient loss are expected in high rainfall zones.

Transport infrastructure may also be affected, with roads and bridges becoming impassable due to flooding and structural weakening.

"Public health risks are likely to remain elevated as continued wet conditions favour the spread of water-borne diseases, contamination of water sources and expansion of mosquito breeding habitats, especially in areas expecting heavy rainfall early in May," Kenya Met further warned.

The police called on members of the public to remain vigilant and strictly adhere to safety advisories issued by local authorities.

Communication lines have also been opened to facilitate emergency reporting, with authorities encouraging the public to promptly report incidents or seek help through designated channels.

"In the event of an emergency, the Service remains reachable on 999, 911, or on 0800 722 203 (toll-free) or WhatsApp 0709 570 000 to report anonymously," NPS said.