49 Dead, Thousands Displaced By Floods Devastation

By Staff Writer

At least 49 people have died and more than 2,600 families displaced following days of heavy rains and flooding across Kenya, with authorities intensifying search and rescue operations in Nairobi and other affected areas.

The National Police Service said officers working alongside other emergency responders have been deployed in several regions to evacuate residents, rescue stranded families and secure affected communities as rivers overflow and floodwaters continue to rise.

According to police, the deaths were recorded following devastating rains that began last week and intensified on Friday, triggering floods in multiple counties and leaving a trail of destruction in both urban and rural areas.

Police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said security and emergency teams remain actively engaged in rescue missions while monitoring vulnerable areas.

“Our officers, in collaboration with other multi-agency response teams, remain actively deployed on the ground conducting search and rescue missions, evacuating residents in vulnerable areas and providing security,” he said.

Authorities reported that 2,624 families have been displaced from their homes, while infrastructure across several parts of the country has suffered significant damage. At least 16 police stations have also been affected by the flooding, though the service said measures are being taken to ensure policing operations continue uninterrupted.

In Nairobi, heavy downpours over recent days have led to flooding in several low-lying neighborhoods and informal settlements, where poor drainage systems and clogged waterways often worsen the impact of intense rainfall.

Areas along major rivers such as the Nairobi River have experienced rising water levels, forcing evacuations in some communities. Floodwaters have also disrupted traffic on several major roads and damaged homes in densely populated settlements.

The situation has been compounded by the ongoing rainy season, which typically brings intense storms to Kenya’s capital and surrounding counties. Urban flooding has become increasingly frequent in Nairobi due to rapid urbanization, encroachment on riparian land and inadequate drainage infrastructure.

Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant as rains continue in several parts of the country. The public has been advised to avoid flooded roads, move away from riverbanks and follow weather updates issued by the Kenya Meteorological Department.

Police also called on citizens to report emergencies or distress situations through the national toll-free numbers 999, 911 and 112, as well as other official reporting channels.

Emergency response teams say operations will continue in flood-prone areas as they work to rescue stranded residents, assess damage and support displaced families.

With forecasts indicating continued rainfall in the coming days, authorities warn that more flooding could occur in vulnerable regions across the country.