Nairobi residents Monday morning woke up to traffic snarl ups and flooded roads as rains pounded the capital city.
The rains that fell overnight left flood-prone areas submerged, with emergency services concerned over the fate of people living near river banks and on riparian land.
The Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) had over the weekend warned of heavy downpour in the city that will continue throughout the week.
A forecast of the rainfall situation by the weatherman indicated that there would be heavy rainfall in the Nairobi region, central Kenya and parts of the eastern region from Saturday.
“Showers and thunderstorms are expected over most places on Saturday night, while rains are expected during the week followed by a thunderstorm,” KMD said.
A man jumps over a flooded section of University Way in Nairobi on May 10, 2021.
Photo credit: Diana Ngila | Nation Media Group
Director of Meteorological Services Stella Aura, in the statement, called for measures to be put in place to avoid loss of life and property during the rains.
Ms Aura has warned Kenyans, including motorists and pedestrians, to be on the lookout and be cautious while passing through moving water.
“It’s going to rain heavy tonight. Everyone using the roads either as a driver or pedestrian is advised to observe extra caution. Avoid passing through moving waters. Keep safe.”
On Monday morning, along Mombasa Road, near Imara Daima estate, motorists were forced to use only one lane with access to several offices completely cut-off by the raging water.
Some blamed the situation on the ongoing construction of the Nairobi expressway, saying contractors are spilling rainwater from their site onto the road.
Mark Lukale said that the road from Garden estate to Windsor “is now a big river. From Ruaka to Ndenderu is a nightmare. These roads need a 4x4. Balaa tupu na hii mvua .”
Following the night rains, most roads in Nairobi were flooded but the most affected areas were Wetlands, South C, Thika Road, Parklands and Kilimani.
On Thika Road, there was heavy traffic starting from Roysambu all the way to the city’s central business district.
