Kenya Warns of Heavy Rains, Flash Floods in Nairobi, Kiambu, Kajiado

Kenya’s weather agency has issued a fresh alert about potential flooding in the Nairobi metropolitan region, advising residents to stay vigilant amid the elevated risk of sudden floods. The warning, announced on Saturday, March 7 and effective until March 9 at 7pm, forecasts continued moderate to heavy rainfall across Nairobi, Kiambu, and Kajiado counties as the ground remains waterlogged from recent storms. Meteorologists cautioned that even modest rainfall could result in flash floods and surface runoff due to the saturated conditions in urban areas. For Nairobi County, widespread moderate to heavy rain is anticipated, with most areas receiving between 20mm and 60mm, while some isolated locations could experience accumulations of 80mm to 100mm. Zones identified at high risk include Kibra, Dagoretti North and South, Embakasi, Makadara, Kamukunji, Roysambu, Westlands, Langata, and sections of Mathare, where inadequate drainage systems may exacerbate flood dangers. Kajiado County is also forecast to experience scattered to widespread heavy rainfall, with hotspots receiving between 40 mm and 100 mm, especially in Kajiado North, West, and Central sub-counties. Kiambu County anticipates rainfall accumulations exceeding 80 mm in several areas, including Thika, Juja, Ruiru, Limuru, Kikuyu, Githunguri, and Kabete, sparking concerns about potential mudslides on steep terrain. Machakos County residents were cautioned about isolated heavy rainfall reaching up to 80 mm, particularly in Masinga, Mavoko, Kathiani, Machakos Town, Matungulu, Yatta, and Kangundo, where sudden flooding in river basins is probable. Additionally, people are advised to avoid steep slopes during heavy rainfall and to ensure drinking water is properly treated through boiling or other safe methods. This warning follows the National Police Service (NPS) confirmation of 13 additional bodies recovered by Saturday afternoon, increasing the death toll from Friday night’s heavy rainfall to 23. According to police reports, the floods, compounded by inadequate drainage infrastructure in the capital, have caused displacements, road blockages, and property damage. Security and emergency assessments indicate that the hardest-hit areas include Mukuru, Kibra, Mathare, Huruma, South B and C, Pipeline/Embakasi, Roysambu, Kahawa West, Githurai, and sections of Westlands.