Flood death toll rises to 43 as heavy rains wreak havoc across 16 counties

The death toll from the floods that struck on Friday evening has risen to 43, as heavy rains continue to cause widespread destruction across several parts of the country.
Across at least 16 counties, families are counting losses after floodwaters swept away homes, farms and roads, leaving many people displaced and struggling to cope with the aftermath.

In Nairobi’s Grogon garages, more than 30 vehicles have remained stranded since Friday after floodwaters overwhelmed underground parking areas. Owners have been forced to tow out their cars as mechanics begin assessing damage and repairs.

“We are trying to remove them and fix them… many have been damaged. My car is about Ksh90,000,” said an affected owner, Abdala Weke.

Mechanic Wachira Zakayo said repairs could be costly, asking motorists for patience. “The cost is high… we tell them pole, they should not blame us because these are acts of God,” he said.

In Hazina estate, South B, hundreds of residents were left homeless after flash floods swept through the neighbourhood, destroying houses and washing away property. One resident, Angela Penina, said she was left without shelter and her belongings, including clothes for her one-week-old child.

“I have no place to stay, I have a one-week-old baby and the house has been swept away by water… I don’t have clothes for the baby,” she said.

A similar situation was reported in Kinoo, where some families could not access homes that remain submerged. Residents said at least five churches and several schools were affected.

“Every year we have a perennial issue of flooding here… today some cannot even worship. Many families are trapped inside their houses,” said Richard Migwi.

Government figures show the floods have affected more than 10,000 households, with 4,845 people displaced and forced to seek shelter in safer areas.