NAIROBI, Kenya — Heavy rainfall has triggered flooding across several neighbourhoods in Nairobi, leaving roads impassable and prompting emergency rescue operations by humanitarian responders.
In an update issued Sunday, the Kenya Red Cross said emergency teams had been deployed across the city after rising water levels affected multiple residential areas and key transport routes.
The organisation reported flooding in several estates, including Parklands, the Nairobi Central Business District, Kilimani, Kibera, Kawangware, South B, Eastleigh, Lang’ata, Lavington, Lower Kabete, and Riruta.
Authorities also reported flooding along sections of Ngong Road, particularly around the Ngando area.
“Heavy rainfall has caused flooding in several parts of Nairobi,” the Kenya Red Cross said in a statement.
Traffic disruptions
Floodwaters also caused significant disruptions along several major roads, affecting traffic movement across the city.
According to respondents, major delays were reported along the Nairobi Expressway near the Museum Hill exit, Limuru Road, Bunyala Road, and Lusaka Road, as well as in sections of the central business district.
The situation worsened after both the Nairobi River and the Ngong River overflowed their banks, causing riverine flooding in surrounding areas.
Rescue operations underway
Emergency teams were deployed to assist residents trapped by rising water levels.
The Kenya Red Cross said its specialised Aqua Rescue teams had already carried out several rescue missions in affected areas.
So far, 11 people have been rescued from a marooned matatu along Bunyala Road, and two children from a flooded house in Kilimani, according to the organisation.
Authorities have urged residents living in flood-prone areas to remain vigilant as heavy rainfall continues in parts of the capital.
Weather officials had earlier warned that several regions, including Nairobi, could experience intense rainfall and thunderstorms over the weekend, increasing the risk of flash floods in low-lying areas.
