At Least 7 killed, dozens missing after Nairobi flash floods

At least seven people have been confirmed dead, and several others remain missing after heavy rains triggered devastating flash floods across Nairobi, paralyzing transport, displacing thousands, and exposing the city’s fragile drainage infrastructure.

The torrential rains, which began on Sunday night, overwhelmed drainage systems in several parts of the capital, turning major roads into rivers and inundating homes and businesses in low-lying areas.

Informal settlements such as Mukuru Kwa Reuben, Kwa Njenga, Matopeni, and Dandora were among the hardest hit.

The Star reports that among the victims was a police officer, David Chesire, who was swept away by raging waters while trying to rescue stranded civilians at the Country Bus Station.

His body had not yet been recovered by Tuesday.

In Dandora Phase 5, a young schoolgirl drowned while attempting to cross a flooded tributary of the Nairobi River using a makeshift bridge. A local rescuer who jumped in to save her also went missing.

Additional fatalities were reported in Korokocho, Waruku, and Kasarani. In Kasarani, two people, including a boda boda rider, were swept away when River Majimazuri burst its banks.

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja expressed deep sorrow over the deaths and said over 60,000 people had been affected by the floods.

"More than 300 families have been displaced in areas such as Viwandani and Kware," he said, while promising immediate humanitarian assistance for those impacted.

Traffic across the city ground to a halt, with key roads like Denis Pritt Road, Lenana Road, and sections of Thika Superhighway submerged.

The Kenya Urban Roads Authority has temporarily closed several routes, including Aerodrome Road and the Kasarani-Mwiki Road, citing safety concerns.

Governor Sakaja blamed the disaster on years of encroachment on riparian reserves and poor waste disposal habits that have clogged drainage channels.

"We are halting all development approvals near waterways with immediate effect," he declared.

"Illegal structures built on riverbanks will be brought down to prevent future disasters."

Rescue and relief operations are ongoing, led by the Kenya Red Cross and Nairobi County disaster response teams.

The Kenya Meteorological Department has warned of continued heavy rains throughout the week and urged residents in flood-prone areas to evacuate or exercise extreme caution.

The tragedy has once again highlighted the urgent need for long-term urban planning reforms, proper drainage infrastructure, and disaster preparedness in Kenya’s rapidly growing capital.