Families searching for loved ones who went missing during the recent flash floods in Nairobi have been urged to report to Nairobi City Mortuary to assist authorities with the identification of victims recovered after the deadly weekend rains.
Nairobi West Commissioner Rose Chege said that as of March 9, 2026, at least 27 people had been confirmed dead in the capital following the flooding. The victims include 22 males, three females and two children, while formal identification and postmortem examinations are still ongoing.
"Families searching for their missing relative or friend following the flash floods that hit Nairobi are advised to visit Nairobi City Mortuary to assist with identification," Chege said.
The deaths occurred after exceptionally heavy rainfall pounded Nairobi and other parts of the country over the weekend, triggering floods that destroyed homes, businesses and public infrastructure in several areas.
According to the Kenya Meteorological Department, the capital recorded some of the highest rainfall levels in recent months, overwhelming drainage systems and leaving several neighbourhoods under water.
Mary Kilavi, Assistant Director at the agency, said meteorologists had issued alerts ahead of the intense rainfall expected between March 4 and March 8.
“We had indicated that we would experience very heavy rainfall amounts from the 4th up to the 8th. We saw the rains begin to subside slightly on Sunday, and current model forecasts suggest a gradual reduction in rainfall amounts and spatial coverage in the coming days," Kilavi said in an interview with Citizen TV on Monday.
Rainfall data collected from monitoring stations across Nairobi showed extremely high levels over two days. At Moi Air Base, 67.3 millimetres of rainfall were recorded on Friday and 145 millimetres on Saturday.
Dagoretti recorded 51.3 millimetres on Friday and 112 millimetres on Saturday, while Wilson Airport registered 88 millimetres on Friday and 160 millimetres on Saturday.
Kabete recorded 121 millimetres on Friday and 117 millimetres on Saturday after receiving 144 millimetres earlier in the week on March 2. Ngong also experienced heavy rainfall, recording about 116 millimetres on Friday.
The intense downpours caused widespread flooding across the capital, sweeping away houses, submerging roads and forcing residents in several flood-prone areas to evacuate.
The Kenya Red Cross said the national death toll from the floods has now risen to more than 40 and could continue increasing as search operations continue.
“The most recent data shows that 42 people are dead and over 50,000 are displaced across the country. Unfortunately, we anticipate this number will increase as search and recovery operations continue and teams look for missing people," said Ahmed Idris, Secretary General of the Kenya Red Cross.
Officials said Nairobi has recorded the highest number of fatalities so far, while other deaths have been reported in the Eastern, Rift Valley, Nyanza and Coastal regions.
In the Eastern region, 10 people have been confirmed dead, including six males, two females and two children. Families searching for missing relatives have been urged to check mortuaries at Mutomo Level 4 Hospital, Kilungu Hospital, Kibwezi Funeral Home and Makueni Level 5 Hospital.
In Kisumu County, rescue operations are ongoing along River Nyando with support from the Kenya Coast Guard Service.
In Kisii County, a bridge collapsed in Masimba Division, while roads in Kitutu Central and Marani have become difficult to access due to the flooding.
Garissa township has also been affected by flooding, with sections of the Masalani-Bura-Garissa and Bura-Galmagalla roads becoming impassable.
In Elgeyo Marakwet County, Embomon Bridge in Marakwet East was destroyed, while landslides were reported along the Iten-Kabarnet road near Kamok and Kolol.
Floodwaters also affected the Tambui-Kapkitony bridge in Keiyo South, forcing motorists to use alternative routes.
Authorities in Nyandarua County said damage remains minimal so far but urged residents to avoid crossing flooded rivers and remain cautious as the rainy conditions continue.