November Rains: Urban Preparedness in Kenya

Kenya is experiencing the short November rains, and Nairobi is one of the counties already affected by floods, including a recent incident reported on Parklands Road on October 31, 2026. This has raised concern over whether Nairobi City stakeholders have improved the state of the city’s drainage to prevent effects that could harm residents.
According to the Kenya Meteorological Department’s forecast for November 2026, several counties are expected to receive above-average rainfall. They include Baringo, Bomet, Bungoma, Busia, Elgeyo-Marakwet, Embu, Garissa, Homa Bay, Isiolo, Kajiado, Kakamega, Kericho, Kiambu, Kilifi, Kirinyaga, Kisii, Kisumu, Kitui, Kwale, Laikipia, Lamu, Machakos, Makueni, Mandera, Meru, Migori, Mombasa, Murang’a, Nairobi, Nakuru, Nandi, Narok, Nyamira, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Siaya, Taita-Taveta, Tana River, Tharaka-Nithi, Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Vihiga and Wajir, as well as much of West Pokot, Samburu and Marsabit.
Heavy rainfall can cause floods with serious consequences for urban residents. Floods disrupt movement, expose communities to health risks and affect people’s businesses.
According to the World Resources Institute, whose research examined the March-May 2024 floods, the floods caused more than physical destruction. They disrupted health systems, sanitation, roads, bridges, schools, places of worship, public transport, food systems and livelihoods.
The impacts fell hardest on women, children, persons with disabilities and low-income households, many of whom faced displacement, loss of livelihoods, exclusion from relief systems, increased exposure to violence and difficulty accessing safe shelter and services.
The Danish Emergency Relief Fund also issued an alert stating that national authorities had reported at least 62 deaths across Kenya by mid-March, including children, with 33 fatalities in Nairobi alone. Most victims drowned or were electrocuted by exposed power lines.
Thousands of residents were forced from their homes as floodwaters submerged or destroyed housing, particularly in densely populated informal settlements such as Mukuru, Kibra, Mathare, Huruma and parts of Embakasi. Nationwide, more than 2,600 families are known to have been displaced, while assessments indicated that tens of thousands of people lost shelter, household assets and livelihoods.
Government stakeholders have assured residents that they are working on ways to handle the expected floods. Teams are actively preparing the city before the rains peak by clearing blocked waterways, opening up drainage systems, and ensuring that rivers possess the capacity to carry storm water effectively.
As the November rains continue, the preparedness of Kenyan cities will be tested by their ability to manage flooding and protect residents.
While authorities have outlined measures such as improving drainage systems and strengthening emergency response, the effectiveness of these efforts will depend on how well they are implemented. Ultimately, protecting lives, property and livelihoods requires sustained action from both government agencies and communities.