At least 62 people have died in Kenya over the past week following heavy rains that caused widespread flooding, authorities reported. The previous death toll, released a week ago, stood at 42.
The Kenya Red Cross rescued 11 people overnight after a minibus taxi, known locally as a matatu, became trapped in rising water in the capital, Nairobi. Two children were also saved from a flooded house.
The heavy rainfall triggered flash floods across the country, causing rivers to burst their banks, flooding homes, and damaging roads, power, and water lines. Several roads were closed after bridges were damaged, while some schools were also inundated following Saturday’s downpour.
The interior ministry warned on Sunday that heavy rains are expected to continue in different parts of the country, heightening the risk of further flooding. Authorities urged residents in low-lying areas to move to safer ground, with more than 2,000 people having already evacuated to emergency shelters.
Search-and-rescue operations are ongoing, with over half of the fatalities—33 people—recorded in Nairobi, where poor drainage and unregulated development have worsened the impact of the floods. Residents, including businessman Kareem Hassan Ali and auditor Deenesh Patel from the Parklands area, reported up to 2 meters (6.5 ft) of water outside buildings and submerged cars in underground parking areas. They urged authorities to improve drainage and prevent river obstructions from unregulated construction.
William Ruto said emergency food and medical aid are being delivered, and officials are working to clear blocked drainage systems. Some residents, however, noted that local associations had already cleared debris themselves.
The flooding has also affected neighboring Ethiopia, where more than 100 people have died due to floods and landslides in the southern regions. Experts warn that climate change, which has already warmed the planet by about 1.1°C since the industrial era, is increasing the likelihood of extreme rainfall events worldwide.
