At least 45 people have died and tens of thousands displaced as torrential rains hit various parts of Kenya, especially the capital, Nairobi.
By Sr. Christine Masivo, CPS
Torrential rains have triggered widespread destruction, leaving 45 people dead across Kenya, according to police and government officials.
The disaster has particularly affected the capital, Nairobi, where heavy downpours transformed major roads into fast-moving rivers, sweeping away vehicles and flooding homes.
Destruction, deaths and displacement
Authorities reported that 23 people died in Nairobi on Saturday alone, while the overall national death toll continued to rise as rescue teams searched flooded neighborhoods and recovered bodies.
Police spokesman Michael Muchiri confirmed that 45 drowning cases have been recorded so far, with 2,224 people displaced nationwide, and local reports suggest the number of people forced from their homes could be significantly higher.
The government estimates more than 50,000 people have been left homeless, with thousands of families displaced in and around Nairobi.
The situation has been described as ‘catastrophic’ by the Kenya Red Cross, noting that the floods have destroyed homes, farmland, and vital infrastructure in several counties.
“The banks of the Nairobi River collapsed as the rains continued,” said Fredrick Wasonga, a street vendor in the city. “Cars were swept away, and water entered shops, destroying properties.
Another resident, Derrick Juma, who runs a shop in the same area, said two of his neighbors died during the flooding, including one who was electrocuted.”
A Kenyan man sits on his salvaged auto spares outside his damaged shop after it was flooded at Grogon garage area (ANSA)
Transport disrupted
Heavy rains have disrupted transport extensively, causing damage to the roads and flooding highways.
Air travel was also affected. Kenya Airways reported that the severe weather forced it to suspend flights to Nairobi, while others were diverted to the coastal city of Mombasa.
Government officials say emergency teams are working to restore transportation routes and assist affected communities.
Critics urge that poor urban drainage and uncontrolled development have worsened the impact of the floods.
Climate trends in East Africa
Scientists warn that extreme weather events are more frequent in East Africa. Numerous studies have shown an increase in both severe drought and intense rainfall across the region over the past two decades.
Experts say that climate change, combined with rapid urbanization and weak drainage infrastructure, is increasing the vulnerability of cities like Nairobi to flooding disasters.
People salvage property from receding flood waters in downtown Nairobi following a night of heavy rainfall that resulting in heavy flooding around Nairobi (AFP or licensors)
Relief rescue efforts
Rescue teams and humanitarian organizations continue to search for missing people and provide aid to displaced families. Authorities are monitoring rainfall in several counties, fearing that continued storms could trigger further flooding and landslides.
As Kenya grapples with the aftermath of the disaster, the focus remains on emergency relief and rebuilding efforts for the tens of thousands of people who have lost their homes.
