NAIROBI, Kenya — At least 81 people have died, and thousands have been displaced as devastating floods continue to batter multiple regions across Kenya, with 21 counties now affected, according to the Ministry of Interior and National Administration.
Government data released on March 22 shows seven people remain missing, while 68,975 households have been displaced following days of heavy rainfall.
The hardest-hit counties include Nairobi, Kisumu, Narok, Kiambu, Migori, Siaya, Makueni, Busia, Wajir, Kisii, Homa Bay, Taita Taveta, Baringo, Kajiado, Kitui, Kwale, Machakos, Kericho, Embu, Tharaka Nithi, and West Pokot.
Authorities said the floods have disrupted essential services, with roads and bridges rendered impassable, power outages reported in several regions, and water supply systems damaged.
Schools have also been affected, worsening the humanitarian situation as families seek shelter.
The Ministry of Interior reported that Nairobi recorded the highest number of fatalities at 37, followed by the Eastern region with 21 deaths and the Rift Valley with eight.
The Nyanza region has reported seven deaths, while the Coast region recorded five.
Central region fatalities stand at three, with no deaths reported so far in the Western region.
Beyond loss of life, the floods have caused widespread destruction of farms, inundated markets, and damaged homes, raising concerns about food security and livelihoods.
Several residential areas remain submerged, forcing evacuations and straining emergency response systems.
The government, working with the Kenya Red Cross Society and the National Disaster Operations Centre, has intensified rescue operations, humanitarian assistance, and infrastructure restoration efforts in affected regions.
Meanwhile, the Kenya Meteorological Department warned that heavy rainfall is expected to persist during the early phase of the long rains season.
In an advisory issued on March 18, the agency projected rainfall exceeding 20mm within 24 hours between March 19 and March 24, 2026.
The rains were expected to peak between March 20 and March 23 before easing slightly on March 24, although precipitation is likely to continue in several areas.
“The rainfall being experienced over several parts of the country is expected to intensify,” the department said, warning residents to prepare for potential floods, flash floods, and poor visibility.
Regions expected to remain at risk include the Lake Victoria Basin, Highlands West and East of the Rift Valley, the Rift Valley, and Nairobi.
Counties likely to experience heavy rainfall include Turkana, Samburu, Migori, Nyamira, Bungoma, Busia, Kakamega, Vihiga, West Pokot, Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, Trans Nzoia, Nandi, Uasin Gishu, Nakuru, Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Kisii, Kericho, and Bomet.
Other areas on alert include Kiambu, Embu, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Laikipia, Tharaka-Nithi, Meru, Narok, Kajiado, Makueni, Machakos, Taita-Taveta, Kitui, Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi, and Garissa. Parts of Marsabit, Isiolo, Wajir, Mandera, and Tana River are also expected to be affected.
Authorities have urged residents in flood-prone areas to remain vigilant, avoid crossing swollen rivers, and follow official evacuation instructions as response teams continue rescue operations across the country.
