Kenya Battles Deadly Floods as Cyclone Threat Looms Over Coastal Region
Kenya is grappling with widespread devastation as relentless rains and flash floods continue to wreak havoc across the country, claiming at least 210 lives and displacing nearly 200,000 people. President William Ruto has ordered the indefinite postponement of schools’ reopening for the second term, citing safety concerns amid the rising water levels. Authorities have also issued urgent evacuation orders for residents living near 178 dams and reservoirs in 33 counties. With the Kenya Meteorological Department warning of continued heavy rainfall and a looming threat from Cyclone Hidaya along the coast, the crisis shows no signs of easing.
The floods have caused extensive destruction in both urban and rural areas. Nairobi, Kajiado, Machakos, Nakuru, Murang’a, and Homa Bay are among the worst-hit counties, where homes, roads, and businesses have been washed away. In Nairobi alone, more than 147,000 people have been affected, while in Narok, flooding along the River Talek disrupted tourism operations in the Maasai Mara, forcing the evacuation of dozens of visitors. Landslides have been reported in Murang’a, Nyeri, and Nakuru, leading to further casualties and infrastructure damage. The Kenya National Highways Authority has closed several key routes, including sections of the Nairobi-Garissa and Embu-Meru roads, severely hindering rescue operations and the delivery of essential supplies.
Humanitarian agencies, led by the Kenya Red Cross Society and the National Disaster Operations Centre, are intensifying search and rescue missions in the most affected regions. Over 8,000 livestock have been lost, 36,000 acres of cropland destroyed, and more than 600 small businesses shuttered. Health officials have confirmed 34 cholera cases in Tana River County, raising fears of disease outbreaks due to stagnant water. The government and relief partners are scaling up emergency assistance, but with Cyclone Hidaya expected to bring more rain and strong winds to coastal counties, Kenya faces the daunting task of preventing an even deeper humanitarian crisis.