The flooding, driven by heavy rains that began Friday and mark the start of Kenya’s long-rains season, exposed what residents described as chronically inadequate drainage infrastructure in one of Africa’s largest cities. President William Ruto pledged government support for those affected, while Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi committed to clearing blocked drainage systems across the capital.
At least 25 people died after overnight flash floods inundated Nairobi on Friday and Saturday, drowning motorists and electrocuting residents as waters submerged vehicles and homes across Kenya’s capital. George Seda, the Nairobi police chief, said some victims drowned while others were electrocuted, and warned the death toll may rise as search and rescue operations continue.
Kenya Airways said flights were disrupted, with some diverted to the coastal city of Mombasa, and that disruptions would continue for hours. The Kenyan military was deployed overnight to assist emergency services.
Extent of damage
The heavy rain began Friday and continued overnight, submerging vehicles and forcing motorists in some areas to wade through hip-high water to reach higher ground. Seda said more than 100 vehicles were damaged, with some overturning on the roadside and in parking bays. Rescue teams pulled bodies from vehicles that had been washed away.
The local toll road operator waived fees for an elevated road to ease movement through the flooded city.
Government response
President William Ruto said a multiagency team had been deployed to support and relocate those in imminent danger to safer areas. He said the government would pay hospital bills for those affected and directed that relief food be distributed to affected families.
Public Service Minister Geoffrey Ruku said he was coordinating national disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts, and urged Kenyans to prioritize their safety.
Kenya Red Cross Secretary-General Ahmed Idris said search and rescue teams were working to assist those stranded but faced severe constraints on the ground.
“We are severely limited by the traffic and the situation on what used to be roads. We are doing our best to reach those in need,” Idris said.
Drainage failures and official pledges
Some residents blamed the flooding on clogged drainage systems, saying city authorities should have ensured functional drainage infrastructure ahead of the rainy season. One resident, Aisha Bajaber, wrote on social media: “The whole city is flooded yet again. How long will officials keep ignoring the lack of drainage?”
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi said the government would ensure all blocked drainage systems are cleared.
“Nairobi remains a major regional hub and must be kept clean, safe and well-managed to reflect its standing in Africa,” Mudavadi said.
Seasonal context
Kenya has faced heavy rains since late February, which marks the start of the country’s long-rains season. Previous rain seasons have seen flooding, landslides, and mudslides that have left hundreds of people dead and thousands displaced.