Heavy rains over the past few days have triggered devastating flash floods in parts of the country, leaving at least 25 people dead and causing widespread destruction across multiple counties.
The Ministry of Interior and National Administration said most fatalities occurred in Nairobi, where rivers overflowed during intense overnight downpours.
“Twenty-five people have been killed and property of unknown value destroyed after flash floods swept parts of the country last night,” the ministry said in a statement issued on March 7, 2026.
Nairobi reported the highest loss of life, with 23 bodies recovered from rivers in Starehe and Kamukunji sub-counties. In addition, authorities said several people were swept away by floodwaters in Kibra sub-county, where two individuals remain missing.
The government has activated emergency response mechanisms after the heavy rains that began on March 4 intensified between March 6 and 7. “Search and rescue operations are currently underway in Nairobi, where seven bodies have been retrieved from rivers following overnight flooding, while two persons remain missing in Kibra,” the ministry said.
Preliminary assessments indicate that floods have affected Kiambu, Kajiado, Makueni, Nakuru, Murang’a, Bungoma, Kwale, Kirinyaga, Migori, and Tharaka Nithi counties. Across these areas, homes, businesses, farms, and public infrastructure have suffered extensive damage.
More than 800 households have been displaced, and over 700 homes and structures damaged, mostly in informal settlements and low-lying urban areas. Emergency teams have been deployed to assist residents, including personnel from the Kenya Defence Forces, National Police Service, county governments, engineers, Kenya Red Cross, Kenya Power, and other partners. The teams are coordinating rescue operations, supporting evacuations, and working to restore essential services.
In Nairobi, flooding disrupted major roads such as Mombasa Road, Uhuru Highway, Lang’ata Road, Mpaka Road in Parklands, and parts of Kangundo Road, bringing traffic to a standstill. Residential areas worst hit include Viwandani, Mukuru kwa Reuben, Kibra, Kawangware, South B, Eastleigh, Dandora, Kariobangi, Umoja, Kware, Parklands, and Westlands. Authorities have been relocating families to safer locations.
The affected settlements lie along the Nairobi, Ngong, and Mathare rivers, areas prone to flooding during heavy rainfall. Officials noted that the Nairobi Rivers Regeneration Programme, currently about 30 percent complete, aims to restore river channels, improve drainage systems, and reclaim riparian reserves to reduce flood risks and protect lives.
“Residents currently living along riverbanks are strongly advised to voluntarily evacuate to safer ground, particularly during this period of sustained rainfall,” the ministry said.
Flooding has also affected transport infrastructure in other counties. In Makueni County, the Wote–Emali Road was cut off near Isambani while Kyamelu Bridge overflowed. Authorities have urged motorists to avoid flooded drifts and use alternative routes.
The government continues to monitor the situation and will provide updates as more information from affected counties becomes available.
