Kenya Floods: Urgent Evacuation for Garissa and Tana River

Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has warned that ongoing heavy rains have caused a significant rise in water levels in key dams along the Tana River.

In a public advisory, Mwaura urged residents in Garissa County and Tana River County to move to higher ground as a precautionary measure, citing the increased risk of downstream flooding.

“The ongoing heavy rains have caused significant rises in water levels in key dams along the Tana River. Residents in Garissa and Tana River counties are urged to move to higher grounds for their safety,” said Mwaura.

Roads Flooded, Commuters Stranded in Nairobi

In Nairobi, residents were left counting losses after heavy downpours during the March–May long rains in March 2026 caused widespread flooding across the city.

The Kenya Meteorological Department had earlier warned that the country would experience rainfall exceeding 20mm within 24 hours between March 4 and March 7, cautioning that flash floods were likely in low-lying areas.

Governor Sakaja Faces Online Backlash

The crisis sparked a wave of criticism directed at Johnson Sakaja in March 2026, with many Kenyans questioning the city’s preparedness for recurrent flooding.

On social media platform X, users expressed frustration over what they described as a lack of long-term solutions to Nairobi’s drainage challenges.

One user, @kolonelikris, wrote:

“Yaani, as others are mobilizing resources to fight in a world war, Sakaja is mobilizing resources to fight flooding in 2026?”

Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura // Facebook

Background: Recurring Flood Crisis in Nairobi

Flooding during Kenya’s March–May long rains has become a recurring challenge, particularly in Nairobi’s low-lying and poorly drained areas.

Despite its reputation as the “Green City in the Sun,” the capital frequently experiences severe flooding whenever heavy rains hit.

Experts have long pointed to blocked drainage systems, unplanned urban development, and encroachment on riparian land as key contributors to the problem. The March 2026 floods once again highlighted these long-standing issues, even as authorities faced growing pressure to implement lasting solutions beyond emergency response.