Death toll rises to 25 as floods ravage Nairobi, many still missing, police reveal

The death toll from heavy overnight rainfall that triggered severe flooding across several parts of Nairobi has risen to 25 as rescue teams continue searching for survivors, police revealed.

Nairobi police boss George Seda said five more bodies were recovered on Saturday in separate parts of the city, amid fears that the number of fatalities could rise as search operations continue.

He warned the toll would rise further as the rescue team continued with their mission on Sunday.

“The teams are out there again to continue with the possible survivors but we expect to find more bodies,” he said.

The torrential rains caused widespread flooding, destruction of property, road closures and the displacement of residents in multiple neighbourhoods across the capital.

President William Ruto ordered the immediate deployment of a multi-agency emergency response team to support rescue and relief operations following the devastating floods that have hit parts of Nairobi and other regions across the country.

The team, led by the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, will work alongside the Kenya Defence Forces and other emergency agencies to intensify rescue operations.

Authorities said the team will coordinate evacuations, assist affected communities and move residents living in danger zones to safer areas.

The president also directed the immediate release of relief food from national strategic reserves to assist families affected by the floods.

In addition, the government will cover hospital bills for victims injured during the flooding who are currently receiving treatment in public health facilities, while emergency humanitarian assistance will be provided to displaced families.

The National Police Service said emergency response teams moved quickly overnight to conduct search and rescue missions in affected areas.

Police spokesman Michael Muchiri said officers remain fully deployed across affected areas and are responding to distress calls as rainfall continues.

So far, authorities say at least 30 people have been rescued from different locations and are receiving assistance.

The Kenya Red Cross Society said its first responders rescued at least 20 people who had been stranded along Kirinyaga Road after floodwaters overwhelmed sections of the area.

A military rapid response unit was also mobilised to support emergency operations, helping control traffic and tow five stalled vehicles at the Kariokor–Ring Road roundabout after the swollen Nairobi River flooded nearby sections.

Flooding damaged several water pipelines, disrupting supply in parts of the city.

According to the Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company, affected lines include the DN 600mm Outer Ring Road pipeline at the Nairobi River crossing, the DN 300mm Eastleigh–Kiambiu pipeline, the DN 200mm Korogocho–Dandora line and the DN 100mm Brookeside Drive line serving Lower Kabete. Technical teams have been deployed and repairs are underway.

Major transport corridors were also severely affected, with flooding reported along Uhuru Highway, Mombasa Road, Thika Superhighway, Jogoo Road, Enterprise Road and Lang’ata Road.

Traffic disruption extended into the early hours of Saturday as motorists struggled to navigate flooded sections. The worst-hit routes included roads around the central business district and feeder roads near Museum Hill, Uhuru Park, Mbagathi Way and sections of Mombasa Road near South C, Bellevue and the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport exit.

The Nairobi City County Government deployed more than 4,000 Green Army personnel across the city to clear blocked drainage systems.

Among the most affected areas are Mukuru, Kibra, Mathare, Huruma, South B, South C, Pipeline in Embakasi, Roysambu, Kahawa West, Githurai and parts of Westlands.

The Kenya Meteorological Department has warned that intense rainfall is expected to continue in most parts of the country, increasing the risk of flooding, swollen rivers and transport disruptions.

Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku said an emergency coordination meeting was held on Saturday morning bringing together key national disaster response agencies.

Participants included the State Department for Special Programmes, the National Police Service, the National Youth Service, St. John Ambulance Kenya, the National Disaster Management Unit, the National Disaster Operations Centre and the National Drought Management Authority.

Authorities said the meeting aims to accelerate response measures and strengthen coordination among emergency agencies as the country braces for continued rainfall.