Heavy rains and flooding in Nairobi, Kenya, have led to a tragic increase in the death toll, now standing at 42 as confirmed by government authorities on Sunday. The downpour on Friday triggered widespread flooding, resulting in drownings, vehicle washouts, and disruptions at the country’s main airport. Previously reported at 23, the death toll includes cases of electrocution as stated by the Nairobi police chief last week.
The floods have caused significant damage to infrastructure and livelihoods, with 172 vehicles swept away by the deluge now recovered. In response, President William Ruto has mobilized relief food from the national strategic reserves for immediate distribution to affected families.
Rescue operations, involving emergency personnel and the military, are ongoing nationwide to locate and recover all flood victims. The focus remains on ensuring the safe retrieval of all bodies. Kenya has been enduring heavy rains since late February, coinciding with the long-rains season, a trend experts attribute to global warming exacerbating extreme weather events in East Africa. A recent study from 2024 revealed that climate change has doubled the likelihood of severe rains in the region.