Authorities say the Nairobi flash floods were triggered by intense overnight rainfall that lashed the Kenyan capital late Friday, turning major streets into rivers and leaving several parts of the city severely damaged.
Police confirmed that at least 23 people have died, while emergency teams rescued dozens of residents trapped by rising waters.
Search and rescue teams continued operations on Saturday as more rain threatened already devastated communities.
Residents described scenes of chaos as water levels rapidly rose across the city.
Residents described scenes of chaos as water levels rapidly rose across the city.
Frederick Wasonga, a car accessories trader in central Nairobi, said river banks burst after hours of rainfall.
“The river banks broke as the rains continued and cars were swept off and water flowed into our shops destroying property for many people,” he said.
The Nairobi flash floods damaged roads, homes, and commercial buildings across the city, from informal settlements to upscale neighbourhoods such as Parklands.
Several residents shared heartbreaking stories about the victims of the disaster.
Derrick Juma, a panel beater in the same neighbourhood, said two of his neighbours died during the flooding.
“One person was electrocuted. Another one was heavily rained on and as he took cover outside a restaurant, he died out in the cold,” Juma said.
Police confirmed that at least 29 people were rescued overnight, while emergency teams remain on standby to respond to distress calls.
The William Ruto said he had ordered emergency response teams to coordinate rescue and relief efforts across affected areas.
He also stressed the need for long-term solutions to urban flooding.
“We recognise that these floods once again highlight the urgent need for lasting solutions to the perennial challenge of flooding in our urban areas,” Ruto said.
Meanwhile, the Kenyan Red Cross said the destruction extended beyond Nairobi.
Spokesman Munir Ahmed warned that many other counties had also been affected.
Spokesman Munir Ahmed warned that many other counties had also been affected.
“We are seeing devastation… A huge number of areas in the city were affected, but also counties all over the country,” Ahmed said.
The Nairobi flash floods have also sparked criticism of city authorities, particularly Johnson Sakaja, who had previously promised improvements to drainage systems and road infrastructure.
The Nairobi flash floods have also sparked criticism of city authorities, particularly Johnson Sakaja, who had previously promised improvements to drainage systems and road infrastructure.
Some activists accused the local government of failing to prepare for seasonal flooding.
Environmental experts have also warned that extreme weather events are becoming more frequent in East Africa due to changing climate patterns.
The heavy rains also disrupted transportation and agriculture. Kenya Airways confirmed that several flights were diverted from Nairobi to Mombasa due to severe weather conditions.
The Kenyan Red Cross added that hundreds of households in neighbouring counties were affected, while large areas of farmland were destroyed.
Experts say East Africa has experienced increasing weather extremes over the past two decades, including both severe droughts and intense rainfall.
AFP
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