Nairobi floods- At least 23 people have died after heavy overnight rainfall triggered severe flooding in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, leaving widespread destruction across several parts of the city.
Authorities said torrential rain fell for hours overnight, causing rivers to overflow and floodwaters to surge through neighbourhoods, roads and industrial areas.
Police confirmed that around 30 people had been rescued during emergency operations, but several others were swept away by fast-moving water or drowned after being trapped in submerged areas. Some victims were also reportedly electrocuted during the disaster as floodwaters reached electrical infrastructure.
Emergency teams worked through the night responding to distress calls from residents and motorists trapped by rising water levels. According to officials, the flooding caused extensive damage to homes, businesses and vehicles, while many residents were forced to leave their properties as water rapidly filled streets and buildings.
The severe weather caused major disruption across Nairobi’s transport network. Key roads in the city, including Mombasa Road, Uhuru Highway and Kirinyaga Road, were submerged under water, making them impassable for hours. Parts of the Westlands district were also affected as floodwaters overwhelmed drainage systems.
The storm struck during the evening rush hour, creating chaotic scenes across the city. Dozens of vehicles were stranded on flooded roads while others were swept away by strong currents. Commuters were forced to abandon cars and seek higher ground as water levels continued to rise.
Kenyan authorities deployed the military to assist emergency responders in rescuing people trapped inside vehicles and flooded buildings. Soldiers and rescue teams were seen helping stranded motorists and residents reach safer areas as emergency operations continued into Saturday.
Police said the flooding also caused the displacement of several families whose homes were damaged or destroyed by the storm. Officials warned that the number of casualties could still increase as search teams continued to look for missing people in areas affected by the floods.
The severe weather also disrupted air travel in the region. Several flights scheduled to land at Nairobi’s main airport were cancelled or diverted because of dangerous conditions caused by the heavy rainfall. Some aircraft were redirected to the coastal city of Mombasa until conditions improved.
Weather officials had earlier warned that intense rainfall was likely to affect Nairobi and surrounding counties. The Kenya Meteorological Department forecast between 30 and 70 millimetres of rainfall in the capital, raising concerns about possible flooding in low-lying urban areas.
Authorities also warned that the rainfall could lead to poor visibility and dangerous travel conditions, urging residents to remain cautious while moving around the city.
Witnesses described dramatic scenes in several neighbourhoods affected by the flooding. In the Grogan industrial area, a security guard said he saw floodwaters carrying away a man he recognised after the Nairobi River burst its banks following the intense rainfall.
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The guard said residents initially could not locate the victim as the powerful current carried debris and vehicles through the area. The man was later discovered trapped beneath a car that had been washed away by the floodwaters.
Across other parts of the city, residents struggled to move through flooded streets. Some people were seen using makeshift rafts to cross roads submerged in muddy water while emergency workers helped stranded motorists and pedestrians reach safety.
Authorities urged residents to avoid flooded streets and drainage channels while emergency operations continued. Officials also warned that fast-moving water could remain dangerous even after rainfall stops.
According to weather officials, river levels are expected to continue rising in the coming days due to ongoing rainfall across the region. Forecasts indicate that heavy rain could persist until at least 9 March.
Several regions across Kenya remain under weather alerts, including the Central Highlands, the Lake Victoria Basin and coastal areas. Authorities warned that communities in these regions should remain prepared for possible flooding as rainfall intensifies.
The latest disaster comes less than a year after severe floods and landslides caused by heavy rainfall killed hundreds of people across Kenya and neighbouring Tanzania.
That disaster destroyed homes, displaced thousands of residents and highlighted concerns about the country’s vulnerability to extreme weather events.
Experts have repeatedly warned that rapid urban expansion, poor drainage systems and climate-related weather changes have increased the risk of severe flooding in major cities such as Nairobi.
Emergency responders continue to monitor the situation as rescue and recovery operations remain underway across areas hit hardest by the flooding. Authorities have advised residents to stay alert and follow safety instructions as weather conditions remain unpredictable.
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