2026 Kenya floods

Kenya experiences two principal rainy seasons each year: the long rains from March to May and the short rains from October to December, both of which can bring heavy rainfall and flooding across parts of the country.^[1] Kenya's floods have been linked to structural issues including rapid urbanisation, development on floodplains and riparian land, and drainage infrastructure that has not kept pace with the growth of cities such as Nairobi. Researchers have argued that these factors, combined with weak enforcement of land-use planning regulations and degradation of catchment areas, have increased the severity of flood impacts in recent years.^[2][3]

Kenya was affected by severe flooding in April–May 2024, when weeks of intense rainfall caused widespread flooding across large parts of the country.^[4] The floods have resulted in hundreds of deaths and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people, while damaging homes, farmland and infrastructure in numerous counties.^[5]

Prior to the 2026 floods, the Kenya Meteorological Department issued a warning on 25 February 2026 forecasting heavy rainfall across several regions of the country. The advisory indicated that rainfall exceeding 20 millimetres within 24 hours was expected in some areas, including the central highlands and the Lake Victoria basin. Authorities warned that forecast conditions could lead to flash flooding, poor visibility and other weather-related hazards in affected areas.^[6]

Flash flooding began during the night of 6–7 March 2026 after heavy rainfall on 6 March caused the Nairobi River to burst its banks and inundate roads across the city.^[7] Vehicles were swept away and stranded motorists were rescued from flooded roads as water levels rose rapidly in several parts of the city.^[7] Major transport routes including Mombasa Road and Uhuru Highway were affected by flooding, causing severe traffic disruption.^[8] Floodwaters also disrupted operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, forcing some flights to be diverted to Mombasa.^[7]

Flooding was also reported in several other counties, including Bungoma, Kajiado, Kiambu, Kirinyaga, Kisumu, Kwale, Makueni, Migori, Murang'a, Nakuru, and Tharaka-Nithi.^[9] Rescue operations were supported by a multi-agency response that included the deployment of a military rescue unit from the Kenya Defence Forces to assist emergency services,^[10] while humanitarian organisations including the Kenya Red Cross Society carried out search and rescue operations and assisted stranded residents as flooding blocked roads and disrupted transport across the city.^[11]

Police reported that 23 people had died in Nairobi following the overnight floods, with victims drowning or being electrocuted by damaged power lines.^[7] By the end of 7 March, government officials said the death toll had risen to 25 nationwide, including two children who died in Kitui County.^[12] The victims died mainly from drowning or electrocution.^[7] Thousands of residents were also displaced by the flooding. In Nairobi alone, approximately 3,500 households were affected, while in Kisumu County 381 households were impacted after the Sondu-Miriu River burst its banks.^[9][13]

On 8 March, rescue operations continued as emergency teams searched flooded neighbourhoods and vehicles for additional victims.^[14] Authorities warned that the death toll could rise as recovery operations continued across affected areas.^[15] By the end of that day, the death toll had reached 43, with 4,845 people displaced and 10,000 households affected.^[16]

Kenyan government officials said emergency response efforts were being coordinated between national and county authorities as rescue and recovery operations continued in affected areas.^[9] In a statement, President William Ruto said his government "stands in solidarity with every citizen affected" and was "acting swiftly to alleviate further suffering and safeguard lives". Ruto pledged to cover medical expenses for Kenyans affected by the floods and acknowledged that the country needed to improve its infrastructure to reduce the risk of such events in the future.^[17] Health authorities also warned of increased risks of water-borne diseases including cholera and malaria following the flooding, citing concerns about contaminated water supplies and stagnant floodwaters.^[18]