Severe Flooding in Kenya Kills at Least 62 as Heavy Rains Continu

Severe flooding triggered by days of heavy rainfall has claimed the lives of at least 62 people across Kenya, as the country continues to battle the ongoing long‑rains season, authorities say. The disaster has caused widespread destruction, displacement, and disruption in multiple regions.

According to the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, the 62 fatalities include 46 men, eight women, and eight children. Nairobi County, the capital, has been the worst affected, accounting for 33 deaths. Other regions reporting deaths include the Eastern Region (17) and the Rift Valley (7), with Nyanza and Coast (2 each) and Central Kenya (1) also impacted.

The heavy rains caused flash floods and landslides, inundating roads, homes, and neighbourhoods. In Nairobi, rising waters overwhelmed drainage systems, sweeping away vehicles and leading to closures of major routes. The flooding also disrupted flights at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and damaged critical infrastructure, complicating efforts to move people and supplies.

More than 10,000 households have been affected by the floods, with thousands of families forced to flee their homes and seek shelter in safer areas. Large swaths of farmland, residential zones, and transport networks remain submerged or damaged in several counties. Emergency responders, including national and county authorities, have been deployed to conduct search and rescue operations, assist displaced families and coordinate relief efforts.

The Kenya Meteorological Department has warned that heavy rainfall is expected to persist as the early stages of the long rains continue, heightening the risk of further floods and related hazards. Residents in flood‑prone or low‑lying areas have been urged to remain vigilant and follow safety advisories to protect lives and property.

Government agencies and disaster management teams are working together to provide humanitarian assistance and to assess the full scale of damages, while local communities struggle to recover from one of the deadliest flood events of the year.