Intense rains and flooding in Nairobi and other parts of Kenya have resulted in a tragic increase in the death toll to 42, according to a government statement released late Sunday. The heavy downpour on Friday led to widespread flooding, causing drownings, vehicle washouts, and disruptions at the country’s main airport.
Previously reported at 23, the death toll rose as the Nairobi police chief highlighted that besides drownings, some fatalities were due to electrocution. The floods caused significant damage to infrastructure and livelihoods, with 172 vehicles swept away by floodwaters now recovered.
President William Ruto announced the immediate release of relief food from the national strategic reserves to assist families affected by the floods on Saturday. Search and rescue operations are ongoing nationwide, with emergency workers, including the military, working tirelessly to locate and retrieve all flood victims.
The continuous heavy rains in Kenya since late February, marking the onset of the long-rains season, have been attributed to global warming exacerbating floods and droughts in East Africa. A 2024 study by World Weather Attribution revealed that climate change has doubled the likelihood of severe rains in the region.
