NAIROBI, Kenya — At least five people have died after heavy rains triggered severe flooding across Nairobi, with police warning that the death toll could rise as search and rescue operations continue.
Authorities said the victims drowned after being swept away by fast-moving floodwaters following intense downpours that hit the city overnight.
According to police, two bodies, a man and a woman, were recovered outside a school in the Parklands area, while three others were found in different parts of the central business district, including one at Gikomba Kwa Mbao.
Nairobi Regional Police Commander George Seda said rescue teams had been deployed across affected neighbourhoods but were initially hampered by widespread flooding.
“The teams are out there for a search and rescue mission. Most roads and estates were flooded, making it impossible for the rescue mission last night,” Seda said on Saturday.
The heavy rains also caused significant property damage across the city. Police said more than 100 vehicles were affected, including over 50 that were damaged in the South C area alone.
“Others were overturned on the roadside and parking bays,” Seda added.
The downpour caused major traffic disruption across Nairobi, with motorists stranded for hours as floodwaters submerged roads and overwhelmed drainage systems.
Sections of the Uhuru Highway were among the hardest hit, with vehicles partially submerged as water levels rose rapidly.
Floodwaters also flooded streets and estates in several neighbourhoods, including Nairobi West, South C, South B, Kilimani, Parklands, Eastlands, and parts of the city centre.
In some areas, residents reported water entering homes after drainage systems failed to cope with the sudden surge of rainwater, forcing some families to temporarily evacuate.
The government has since activated emergency response measures following warnings from the Kenya Meteorological Department that heavy rainfall is expected to continue in many parts of the country.
Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku said the government was coordinating national disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts.
He urged Kenyans to remain cautious, especially when travelling through flooded areas or near swollen rivers.
“Members of the public are advised to be cautious on the roads for their safety and that of other road users, and to avoid crossing rivers which may have swollen or broken their banks,” Ruku said.
The meteorological department has forecast heavier-than-usual rainfall in several regions, including western and Rift Valley counties such as Nandi, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Siaya, Busia, Baringo, Nakuru, Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Kisii, Nyamira, Kericho, Bomet, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, and Narok.
Other counties expected to experience intense rainfall include southeastern areas such as Machakos, Kitui, Makueni, Kajiado, and Taita Taveta, coastal counties including Mombasa, Kilifi, Lamu, Kwale, and Tana River, as well as northern counties like Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, Isiolo, Turkana, and Samburu.
Authorities are urging residents in flood-prone areas to remain vigilant as rescue teams continue operations across the capital.
