CS Ruku Orders Emergency Desk Nationwide as Heavy Rains Cause Flooding in Nairobi

CS Ruku Orders Emergency Desk Nationwide as Heavy Rains Cause Flooding in Nairobi

The Ministry of Public Service has ordered the establishment of emergency response desks across the country following widespread flooding in Nairobi after heavy rainfall overwhelmed roads and neighbourhoods in the capital.

Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku announced the directive on Saturday morning, instructing all Deputy County Commissioners to immediately set up public information centres and monitor the situation on the ground as authorities assess the impact of the flooding on households.

The emergency measure comes as national disaster agencies scramble to coordinate rescue and relief operations after intense downpours on Friday night left several areas flooded, forcing residents from their homes and disrupting transport across the city.

“The Ministry urges all Kenyans to remain vigilant and exercise caution, especially on the roads,” Ruku said in a statement.

“Residents should stay away from swollen rivers and those that have broken their banks as the rains continue in many parts of the country,” he added.

Under the directive, local administrators will collect real-time data on the number of households affected by floods and identify communities requiring emergency assistance such as shelter, food supplies and medical support.

Ruku also convened an emergency coordination meeting bringing together multiple national response agencies tasked with managing disasters and humanitarian emergencies.

Among the agencies present were the National Police Service, National Youth Service, Kenya Red Cross Society, St John Ambulance Kenya, the National Disaster Management Unit, the National Disaster Operations Centre, and the National Drought Management Authority.

Officials said the meeting focused on accelerating the national response to the ongoing rains and strengthening coordination between security agencies, humanitarian groups and county governments.

The directive follows severe flooding reported across Nairobi on Friday evening after sustained rainfall submerged several roads and left motorists stranded in rising water levels. Some residents were forced to seek alternative shelter after floodwaters entered homes in low-lying areas.

Earlier warnings by the Kenya Meteorological Department had already signalled the likelihood of heavy rainfall in the capital.

Meteorologists had predicted peak rainfall between March 4 and March 7, with totals ranging between 30 and 50 millimetres expected within a 24-hour period in several Nairobi sub-counties including Westlands, Dagoretti, Roysambu, Kibra, Embakasi, Makadara and Kamukunji.

Neighbouring Kiambu County was forecast to receive even heavier rainfall, with some areas expected to record more than 60 millimetres. The warning particularly applied to Gatundu, Thika, Juja, Ruiru, Limuru and Kikuyu.

Other counties surrounding the capital, including Kajiado County and Machakos County, are also expected to experience isolated but intense showers.

Beyond the central region, the weather department issued alerts for dozens of counties across the country where rainfall is expected to intensify in the coming days.

In western Kenya, counties including Nandi, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Siaya and Busia are forecast to receive heavier-than-normal rainfall.

Rift Valley counties such as Baringo, Nakuru, Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet and West Pokot are also on alert, alongside parts of the Lake Victoria basin including Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, Kericho and Bomet.

Along the coast, Mombasa and neighbouring counties including Kilifi, Lamu, Kwale and Tana River are expected to experience heavy showers.

Meteorologists warn that flash flooding remains a significant risk in densely populated urban areas, regions with poor drainage systems and communities located along river channels.

“Flash floods can occur even in places where rainfall has not been heavy, particularly downstream areas connected to rivers and drainage systems,” the meteorological department cautioned.

Authorities have urged residents to avoid walking or driving through moving floodwaters and to keep away from trees, windows and exposed structures during storms as emergency teams continue monitoring weather conditions nationwide.

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CS Ruku Orders Emergency Desk Nationwide as Heavy Rains Cause Flooding in Nairobi