NAIROBI, Kenya — The death toll from ongoing floods across Kenya has risen to 88, with at least 2,690 families displaced as torrential rains continue to wreak havoc in multiple regions, the National Police Service has confirmed.
In a statement issued Tuesday, police said several parts of the country are facing severe flooding, landslides, and widespread infrastructure damage, leaving communities stranded and emergency services stretched.
A tragic incident in Kilungu Sub-County, Makueni County, saw a landslide claim the lives of two children while leaving four others injured, underscoring the growing humanitarian crisis linked to the heavy rains.
Authorities said roads and bridges in affected areas have been severely damaged or rendered impassable, complicating relief efforts and restricting access to vulnerable communities. Multi-agency teams have since been deployed to conduct search and rescue operations, deliver humanitarian aid, and restore access to critical infrastructure.
The Kenya Meteorological Department has continued to monitor the situation, warning that the heavy rainfall is likely to persist in the coming days, raising the risk of further flooding and landslides.
Police have urged members of the public to exercise caution and strictly adhere to safety advisories, including avoiding crossing flooded rivers, refraining from driving through moving water, and relocating from high-risk areas when directed by authorities.
The current floods form part of a recurring pattern of extreme weather events in Kenya, often linked to seasonal heavy rains that overwhelm drainage systems and expose weaknesses in infrastructure planning and disaster preparedness.
In previous years, similar flooding has led to loss of life, displacement, and significant economic damage, particularly in low-lying and informal settlement areas.
Disaster response agencies, working alongside county governments and humanitarian organisations, are intensifying efforts to provide shelter, food, and medical assistance to affected families. However, access challenges due to damaged infrastructure continue to hamper operations in some of the worst-hit regions.
The rising fatalities and displacement figures highlight the urgent need for strengthened disaster risk management policies, improved urban planning, and investment in resilient infrastructure to mitigate the impact of future climate-related shocks.
As rains persist, authorities warn that the situation remains fluid, with the potential for further casualties and displacement if precautionary measures are not observed.
