In the capital city of Nairobi, approximately 6,000 households are among those impacted. The rains have caused flooding in dozens of schools and hospitals across the country. Authorities report that 17 roads have been cut off, complicating rescue efforts.

Additionally, mudslides have forced thousands to evacuate from the western Rift Valley area. The Kenya Meteorological Department has indicated that enhanced rainfall is expected to continue into the first two weeks of May.

This year’s heavy rains began in March, coinciding with the start of the rainy season. By the end of March, more than 100 people were reported dead due to similar weather conditions. Heavy rains in Kenya have historically caused significant damage and loss of life during the rainy season.

The National Police Service announced ongoing search and rescue operations. They confirmed the loss of 18 lives as a result of these incidents, underscoring the grave danger posed by the ongoing weather conditions.

Authorities are on high alert. They advise the public to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures, especially those living in landslide-prone or flood-affected areas. The Ministry of Health has warned about potential waterborne diseases stemming from floodwaters.

As rescue operations continue, officials are working to assess damage and provide assistance to those displaced by flooding. The situation remains critical as communities grapple with the aftermath of this disaster.

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The flooding has rendered a section of Mombasa Road impassable, causing major traffic snarl-ups. In response, MOJA Expressway announced a temporary toll waiver for the Southern Bypass and Eastern Bypass exits. This decision aims to alleviate the significant traffic congestion caused by heavy downpours affecting Nairobi and other parts of Kenya.

Key details:

• Motorists are granted free access to the Nairobi Expressway due to flooding on Mombasa Road.
• The toll waiver will remain until the affected road sections are restored to normal traffic conditions.
• Kenya Red Cross reported unconfirmed missing persons and marooned households in Mukuru kwa Njenga.

The Kenya Red Cross reported unconfirmed reports of missing persons and marooned households in Mukuru kwa Njenga. Emergency response teams are working to assess the situation. The flooding was caused by heavy rains that have affected various regions across Kenya.

Motorists can access the expressway through any inbound entry point from Mlolongo. The toll waiver is part of a broader public service response to assist those impacted by the flooding. Authorities have not specified how long this toll waiver will last, as conditions continue to evolve.

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The Gikomba market, a vital hub for traders in Nairobi, stood as a bustling center for commerce until recent developments shifted the landscape dramatically. Traders had expected to continue their operations, but the situation changed overnight when county authorities demolished a section of the shoe market on March 31, 2026.

This decisive action followed the expiration of a 30-day eviction notice issued to traders, aimed at reclaiming riparian lands along the Nairobi River. Approximately 6,000 traders have been affected by this demolition, which was executed under tight security and began around 3 a.m.

The demolished section was identified as encroaching on designated river reserve land, aligning with a broader directive from the Interior Ministry issued in May 2024. This clearance is part of emergency interventions aimed at mitigating the impact of heavy rains and recurrent flooding, which have recently claimed over 100 lives nationwide, with Nairobi recording the highest fatalities at 37.

Traders expressed their frustration and loss due to the sudden demolition. George Ochieng, a trader, noted, “If we had been given an alternative space, we would have moved. Gikomba is 16 acres, but the temporary site is only a quarter of an acre.” This sentiment reflects the anxiety and uncertainty faced by many who relied on the market for their livelihoods.

Margaret Washiko, another trader, stated, “We accept it because if the government sees it is good that they can take care of us, we will not give up and we will not fight. We were prepared. It was not a shock.” However, the lack of a clear timeline for the construction of a new market for displaced traders adds to the uncertainty.

Katima Mekenye highlighted the immediate impact on daily sales, saying, “Many people here are hand-to-mouth. If they had started with the alternative area, we would have at least gotten a sale today.” The situation is dire for many, especially those with financial obligations.

Edward Dickson raised concerns about the future, asking, “There are women who have children, people with loans they must pay. Where will they take us?” This reflects the broader implications of the demolition on the community’s economic stability.

As the government plans to construct a new market for the displaced traders, details remain unconfirmed regarding the timeline and logistics of this initiative. The urgency of the situation underscores the need for immediate support for those affected by the demolition.

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Heavy rainfall is expected across large parts of Kenya, including Nairobi, starting on the night of March 18 and persisting until the morning of March 24, 2026. The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued warnings as the rains are anticipated to intensify, with rainfall amounts exceeding 20mm in 24 hours during this period.

Counties likely to be affected include Nairobi, Kiambu, Nakuru, Kisumu, Mombasa, Uasin Gishu, Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia, and Nyeri. The rainfall is expected to peak between March 20 and March 23 before easing slightly on March 24.

Residents in landslide-prone areas, particularly over the slopes of the Aberdare ranges, Mount Kenya, and other hilly regions, are advised to stay vigilant due to the increased likelihood of landslides triggered by saturated soils. The advisory classified the rainfall as moderate to heavy, with a probability of occurrence between 33% and 66%.

The government has urged citizens to remain cautious as heavy rains coincide with the Eid al-Fitr holiday, raising the risk of floods and landslides. Flooding has already impacted at least 21 counties, damaging schools, markets, roads, and critical water and electricity infrastructure.

The death toll from recent floods has risen to 73, with seven individuals reported missing and nearly 69,000 people displaced. Multi-agency teams have been deployed to support rescue operations and assist affected families.

Authorities are encouraging the public to closely monitor updates and follow safety guidelines as conditions evolve. “We urge all Kenyans to exercise extra caution, particularly in areas prone to flooding,” stated the Ministry of Interior and National Administration.

As the situation develops, the Kenya Meteorological Department warns, “The rainfall being experienced over several parts of the country is expected to intensify.” This moment calls for heightened vigilance, compassion, and collective responsibility among citizens.

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The question on many residents’ minds is: how will the current weather forecast for Nairobi affect the city? The answer is alarming, as the Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) has issued an advisory indicating significant intensification of rainfall beginning March 17, 2026. This weather pattern has already led to devastating consequences, including a rising death toll and widespread displacement.

As of now, the death toll from the heavy rains stands at 62 people, with more than half of these fatalities occurring in areas of Nairobi known for their inadequate drainage systems. The situation has been exacerbated by the breaching of the Nairobi and Ngong Rivers, which has resulted in flooding across various neighborhoods. The Kenya Red Cross Society has reported that the flooding has not only claimed lives but also caused extensive damage to homes and public infrastructure.

In response to the ongoing crisis, Kenyan authorities have urged residents in low-lying areas to evacuate to higher ground. This precaution has led to the displacement of at least 2,000 individuals, highlighting the immediate need for emergency assistance. The KMD has identified Nairobi and Central Counties as primary zones of concern for urban flash floods, indicating that the situation could worsen if the heavy rains continue.

The economic implications of this weather event are significant. The Kenya Private Sector Alliance has noted that a single week of flood-induced gridlock can wipe out an entire month of projected profit for small and medium-sized enterprises. This is particularly concerning given that the agricultural sector in Kenya heavily relies on rain-fed smallholder agriculture, with approximately 65 percent of households depending on it for food security. The financial cost of flooding includes paralyzed transport corridors, which severely impact the retail supply chains for perishable goods.

Furthermore, the KMD has indicated that the current weather patterns are characterized by short-duration, high-intensity rainfall events, which pose a challenge for urban planning and disaster preparedness. The Interior Ministry has also stated that further flooding is possible as heavy rains continue, leaving many residents anxious about what lies ahead.

The broader context of this weather event cannot be ignored. The intensity of the 2026 long rains is part of a larger global climate narrative, which has seen increasing weather extremes affecting many regions. As the government’s emergency response teams remain on high alert, the community is left to grapple with the immediate impacts of flooding while also considering the long-term implications for food security and economic stability.

As the situation develops, details remain unconfirmed regarding the full extent of the damage and the number of people affected. However, the urgency for effective response measures is clear, as the community braces for the continuing deluge and its repercussions on daily life in Nairobi.

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