Heavy rains and flooding in Kenya, particularly in Nairobi, have resulted in a significant increase in the death toll, reaching 42 individuals, according to a recent government announcement. The downpour on Friday led to extensive flooding, causing fatalities, submerging vehicles, and disrupting traffic at the country’s main airport. The previous death count stood at 23, with the Nairobi police chief mentioning that apart from drownings, some fatalities were due to electrocution.
The floods caused substantial damage to infrastructure and livelihoods, with authorities reporting the recovery of 172 vehicles swept away by the deluge. President William Ruto disclosed that he had instructed the release of emergency food supplies from national reserves to assist affected families promptly.
Ongoing search and rescue efforts are being carried out by emergency teams composed of various agencies, including the military, as stated by Geoffrey Kiringa Ruku, the minister for public service and human capital development. The objective is to locate and recover the bodies of all flood victims.
Kenya has been experiencing heavy rainfall since late February, which marks the onset of the long-rains season. Scientists warn that global warming is exacerbating floods and droughts in East Africa by intensifying rainfall into shorter, more severe episodes. A 2024 study by World Weather Attribution revealed that climate change has made catastrophic rains in the region twice as probable as in the past.