Kenya is maintaining heightened vigilance as the prolonged rainy season continues to cause flooding and disrupt daily activities in multiple areas, with officials indicating that conditions may deteriorate further in the upcoming days.
According to a bulletin released on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, the National Police Service reported that water levels in tributaries of the Athi River system – including the Nairobi, Mathare, Ngong, Kamiti, and Athi rivers – are increasing at a rapid pace. Populations residing in downstream areas, particularly those not currently experiencing precipitation, have been highlighted as especially susceptible to unexpected inundation.
Authorities emphasized that flash floods can materialize abruptly and without notice, presenting substantial dangers to both human life and assets. Concurrently, transportation infrastructure is facing mounting pressure, with major roadways potentially becoming unusable due to limited visibility, saturated roadbeds, and deteriorating traffic conditions.
All drivers and pedestrians have been cautioned against navigating through flowing water, irrespective of its apparent depth, as even minimal currents can displace vehicles and individuals.
Those in susceptible zones have been instructed to monitor official communications from the Kenya Meteorological Department and local government, and to prepare for immediate relocation to elevated terraces if evacuation directives are announced. They have also been directed to adhere to neighborhood notifications and safety protocols promptly.
The National Police Service confirmed their collaborative efforts with other governmental bodies to protect citizens and property during the ongoing precipitation period.
This comes amid warnings from the Kenya Meteorological Department regarding significant flood hazards in the Tana River basin from April 28 through May 4. The meteorological agency forecasts moderate to intense precipitation throughout the basin during the subsequent week, following persistent rainfall recorded in recent days.