The government has intensified emergency response operations after flash floods triggered by heavy rains left at least 25 people dead and displaced hundreds across several counties.
According to official reports released on Saturday, March 7, 2026, 23 bodies were retrieved from rivers in Nairobi, particularly in Starehe and Kamukunji sub-counties, after overnight flooding swept through the capital. Other incidents were reported in Kibra Sub-county, where several people were caught in the raging waters.
Authorities said the heavy rainfall began on March 4 and intensified between March 6 and 7, resulting in widespread flooding and destruction in multiple parts of the country.
“The Government has activated multi-agency emergency response mechanisms following widespread flooding and rain-related incidents reported across several counties after intense rainfall,” the statement said.
Preliminary reports indicate that Kiambu, Kajiado, Makueni, Nakuru, Murang’a, Bungoma, Kwale, Kirinyaga, Migori and Tharaka Nithi counties have also experienced varying levels of flooding, damaging homes, businesses, farms and public infrastructure.
Search and rescue operations are currently underway in Nairobi, where emergency teams are continuing to search rivers and flooded areas.
“Search and rescue operations are currently underway in Nairobi, where several bodies have been retrieved from rivers following overnight flooding, while two persons remain missing in Kibra,” the statement said.
Across the affected counties, more than 800 households have been displaced, while over 700 homes and structures have been damaged, particularly in informal settlements and low-lying urban areas.
A multi-agency emergency response team has been deployed to coordinate rescue operations and assist affected families. The teams include personnel from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), the National Police Service (NPS), the National Government Administration, county governments, engineers, the Kenya Red Cross, Kenya Power, and other emergency partners.
In Nairobi, the overnight rains caused significant flooding on major roads including Mombasa Road, Uhuru Highway, Lang’ata Road, Mpaka Road in Parklands and sections of Kangundo Road, resulting in major traffic disruptions.
Several residential areas were also affected, including Viwandani, Mukuru kwa Reuben, Kibra, Kawangware, South B, Eastleigh, Dandora, Kariobangi, Umoja, Kware, Parklands and Westlands, where emergency teams assisted families to relocate to safer areas.
Officials noted that many of the affected settlements are located along the riparian corridors of the Nairobi, Ngong and Mathare rivers, which remain highly vulnerable during periods of heavy rainfall.
“The Government notes that many of the affected settlements in Nairobi are located along riparian corridors of the Nairobi, Ngong and Mathare rivers, which remain highly vulnerable during heavy rainfall,” the statement said.
Authorities also pointed to the ongoing Nairobi Rivers Regeneration Programme, which is currently about 30 per cent complete, as a key long-term intervention aimed at restoring river channels, improving drainage systems and reclaiming riparian land to reduce flooding risks.
“The programme is aimed at restoring river channels, improving drainage systems and reclaiming riparian reserves to reduce flooding risks and protect lives,” the statement added.
Residents living along riverbanks have been urged to voluntarily evacuate to safer ground, particularly during the current period of sustained rainfall.
Flooding has also disrupted transport and damaged infrastructure in other counties. In Makueni County, the Wote–Emali Road was cut off near Isambani after Kyamelu Bridge overflowed following heavy rains.
Additional incidents include flooding at Barazani Market and surrounding homes in Mutiswa and Mbitini, while strong winds damaged structures including Masalani Catholic Church and nearby houses in Kibwezi.
In Kajiado County, flooding affected 21 households in the Zambia and Elpaso areas of Ngong, submerging vehicles and damaging household goods, although no casualties were reported.
Meanwhile, in Nakuru County, flash floods swept through Fibers and Shamer Estates in Kiratina, Lanet, forcing the evacuation of women and children to safer neighbourhood homes.
Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with emergency teams.
“The public is advised to remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities by avoiding flooded roads, rivers and drifts, and moving to higher ground where necessary,” the statement said.
The government said it will continue monitoring the situation and provide further updates as additional assessments from affected counties are received.
Read: Govt Accelerates Construction of West Kano Flood Control Project in Kisumu
>>> Kenya Railways Suspends Nairobi Commuter Train Service Due to Flooding
Leave a comment