The country is grappling with a severe flood crisis, with the Ministry of Interior and National Administration reporting 50 deaths and nine people still missing after heavy rains last week.
Thousands of families have been displaced as rising waters engulfed homes, farms, and public infrastructure in 17 counties.
According to the ministry’s March 12 update, the number of casualties and affected areas has grown as rescue teams continue to search for the missing and assess damage in the hardest-hit communities.
Counties affected include Nairobi, Kisumu County, Narok, and others in western and southern Kenya. Authorities report that over 12,300 homes have been swept away or rendered uninhabitable, forcing residents into temporary shelters or unsafe conditions.
The floods have also interrupted essential services. Many roads and bridges remain impassable, slowing rescue operations and hindering delivery of food, water, and medical supplies to those in need. Power outages have been reported after rising waters damaged electricity lines, while water supply systems have also been disrupted in several locations.
Schools have not been spared, with some institutions flooded or cut off from access routes, halting learning for many children. Markets and small businesses have been submerged, and farmland has been destroyed, threatening the livelihoods of households dependent on agriculture and trade.
The ministry confirmed that multi-agency response teams remain on the ground to coordinate rescue efforts and provide relief support. Security officers, disaster management teams, and humanitarian organizations are working together to evacuate residents from high-risk zones, assist displaced families, and restore critical services.
Meanwhile, the Kenya Meteorological Department has warned that more rainfall is likely in the early part of the season, with certain regions continuing to face risks of flash floods and storms. Residents living in low-lying and flood-prone areas have been urged to stay vigilant and follow government safety advisories.
The government said it will maintain monitoring and continue ramping up response measures to prevent further casualties and support communities affected by the disaster.