Floods kill 23 in Nairobi

Flash floods swept through Nairobi after intense rains, killing at least 23 people as rescue teams continued recovering victims from submerged streets, collapsed structures and mangled vehicles. Police and emergency crews waded through waterlogged neighborhoods—particularly around Grogan Road and the industrial district—retrieving bodies from debris-strewn alleyways and overturned or washed-away cars. Witnesses described scenes of destruction: makeshift homes torn down, families clambering onto rooftops or higher ground, and vehicles swept from roads. A bus driver said passengers worked together to escape as his vehicle filled with water, prioritizing women and children. Local businesses suffered heavy losses; a food vendor reported losing her kiosk, stock and savings when the water surged with little warning.

Many fatalities occurred in low-lying settlements built near rivers or drainage channels that quickly overflowed, where residents had little time to evacuate. Rescue teams composed of police, firefighters and disaster responders searched collapsed structures and flooded compounds; some victims were found trapped beneath rubble or inside submerged vehicles. Authorities warned the death toll could rise as operations continued in the hardest-hit districts.

The flooding disrupted transport, including diversions at the main airport, and damaged infrastructure across the city: roads washed out or clogged with mud and debris, electricity lines and water supplies affected, and drainage systems overwhelmed. Meteorological services said heavy rains tied to a larger weather system would persist for several days, increasing the risk of further flooding.

The government and relief agencies have deployed emergency response teams, set up temporary shelters and begun distributing food, drinking water and medical supplies to displaced residents. Hundreds have been forced from their homes. Environmental and urban planning experts pointed to blocked drains, construction in flood-prone areas and rapid urban expansion as factors that magnify the impact of seasonal downpours. Authorities urged residents near rivers and unstable structures to move to safer ground and reiterated calls for improved flood prevention measures—better drainage, stricter building regulations and early warning systems—to reduce future loss of life and damage as the city assesses the full extent of the disaster.