10 Killed, 71 Cars Destroyed in Nairobi Floods, Police Confirm

10 Killed, 71 Cars Destroyed in Nairobi Floods, Police Confirm

At least ten people have been confirmed dead following devastating flash floods that swept across Nairobi on Friday night, leaving a trail of destruction across the capital and stranding dozens of motorists on major highways.

Authorities say the sudden downpour overwhelmed drainage systems, turning streets into fast-moving rivers that swept away vehicles, flooded homes and trapped residents in several parts of the city.

According to George Seda, eight of the victims were carried away by rapidly rising floodwaters as they attempted to move through inundated areas during the heavy rainfall on March 6.

“Eight people lost their lives after being swept away by fast-rising floodwaters during the heavy rains that hit the city,” Seda told reporters while providing an update on the situation.

Police said some victims were caught in their vehicles as roads became impassable, leaving them unable to escape the powerful current flowing through major roads and neighbourhoods.

Authorities also confirmed that two additional fatalities occurred in separate electrocution incidents in different parts of the county after electrical installations were exposed to floodwaters.

“Two people died after being electrocuted in separate incidents during the flooding in different areas of the county,” Seda said, noting that investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incidents are ongoing.

Meanwhile, police have launched a search operation for another man believed to have drowned after his vehicle was swept away near the Kitengela River during the height of the floods.

“One man is believed to have died after his car was carried away by floodwaters near the Kitengela River last night, and officers are currently searching for his body,” Seda added.

The flooding also caused significant damage to property and vehicles across the capital. Police estimates indicate that at least 71 vehicles were trapped, stalled or damaged after floodwaters submerged several major roads.

Motorists travelling through the city during the storm found themselves stranded for hours as rising water levels blocked key transport routes and forced emergency teams to intervene.

Among the roads most affected were sections of Uhuru Highway, Jogoo Road, Mombasa Road and Thika Superhighway, where water accumulated rapidly due to overwhelmed drainage systems.

Emergency responders from various agencies, including the Kenya Red Cross Society, were deployed overnight to rescue stranded motorists and residents trapped in flooded areas.

The humanitarian agency confirmed that several people were assisted to safety in different parts of the city as emergency teams navigated submerged streets and neighbourhoods.

City authorities say the scale of the damage is still being assessed, with more reports of flooded homes and businesses continuing to emerge.

The floods struck shortly after the Kenya Meteorological Department issued warnings that intense rainfall would hit the capital and surrounding counties as the long rains season begins.

Meteorologists had earlier cautioned that heavy rainfall could overwhelm drainage systems in densely populated urban areas, increasing the risk of flash floods.

“Heavy rainfall could trigger flooding, particularly in urban areas with constrained drainage systems,” the department warned in an advisory issued ahead of the storm.

Officials also urged residents to exercise caution when travelling during heavy rainfall.

“Members of the public are advised to avoid crossing flooded roads and drainage channels as the rains are expected to persist over the next few days,” the advisory stated.

Weather experts say rainfall activity is expected to continue across large parts of the country, raising concerns about additional flooding, especially in low-lying areas and settlements located near rivers.

As emergency teams continue rescue and recovery operations across the capital, authorities are urging residents to remain alert and follow official safety advisories as Kenya enters the peak of the long-rain season.

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10 Killed, 71 Cars Destroyed in Nairobi Floods, Police Confirm