Thousands displaced as heavy rains trigger widespread disaster

At least 81 people have lost their lives as catastrophic flooding continues to impact Kenya, with 21 counties now affected, according to the Ministry of Interior and National Administration.

The disaster has displaced tens of thousands, with nearly 69,000 homes affected as relentless heavy rains continue to batter large parts of the country. Authorities also report that at least seven people remain missing.

Among the hardest-hit areas are Nairobi, Kisumu, Narok, Kiambu, Migori, and several other regions, where communities are facing severe disruptions.

Infrastructure collapse and growing humanitarian crisis

The floods have caused extensive damage to critical infrastructure, leaving roads and bridges impassable and triggering widespread power outages.

Water supply systems have also been damaged, while schools have been forced to close, worsening the humanitarian situation.

Entire neighborhoods have been inundated, farms destroyed, and markets submerged, raising serious concerns about food security and the livelihoods of thousands of residents.

Nairobi records highest death toll

Regional data shows that Nairobi has been the most affected in terms of fatalities, with 37 deaths reported.

The Eastern region follows with 21 deaths, while the Rift Valley has recorded eight. The Nyanza region has reported seven fatalities, the Coast region five, and the central region three. No deaths have been reported so far in the Western region.

Emergency response underway across the country

The Kenyan government, in coordination with agencies such as the Kenya Red Cross Society and the National Disaster Operations Centre, is leading large-scale response efforts.

Rescue operations are ongoing, while humanitarian aid is being distributed to affected communities and efforts are underway to restore damaged infrastructure.

More heavy rain expected in the coming days

The Kenya Meteorological Department has warned that the situation may worsen, as additional heavy rainfall is expected during the early phase of the long rains season.

Forecasts indicate that rainfall could exceed 20mm within 24 hours between March 19 and March 24, with peak intensity expected between March 20 and March 23.

Although conditions may slightly ease afterward, rainfall is expected to continue across many regions.

Flood risk remains high across multiple regions

Authorities have issued warnings for widespread areas, including the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, and Nairobi, as well as central and coastal regions.

Residents are being urged to remain alert for flash floods, rising water levels, and reduced visibility, as hazardous weather conditions persist.

Officials stress that the ongoing rains pose significant risks and that preparedness remains critical in the days ahead.