Nairobi floods: Ruto activates multi-agency response as second wave hits city
Traders attempt to salvage their wares from the Masaai market located at the Aga Khan Walk car park on March 15, 2026, as heavy rains pounded different parts of the city.
Nairobi was hit by another wave of heavy rains on Saturday night, barely a week after deadly floods claimed lives and displaced families, prompting President William Ruto to activate a multi-agency emergency response to avert further disaster.
The downpour caused flooding in several areas including Parklands, the Central Business District (CBD), Ngong Road around the Ngando area, Lower Kabete, Kibera, Kilimani, South B, Kawangware, Lang’ata, Lavington, Eastleigh and Riruta.
According to the Kenya Red Cross, the Nairobi River and Ngong River overflowed during Saturday’s downpour, prompting rescue operations across the city. At least 13 people were rescued from the floods in Nairobi, including 11 who had been marooned in a matatu along Bunyala Road.
“Our Aqua Rescue teams are on the ground responding to incidents caused by the heavy rains. So far, 11 people have been rescued from a marooned matatu along Bunyala Road, while two children were rescued from a flooded house in Kilimani,” the Red Cross said in an update.
Motorists attempt to drive along a flooded section of Taifa Road on March 15, 2026 as heavy rains pounded different parts of the city on Saturday evening.
The heavy downpour also triggered major traffic disruptions on several key roads across Nairobi.
Motorists reported significant traffic snarl-ups along the Nairobi Expressway near the Museum Hill exit, as well as along Limuru Road, Bunyala Road, Lusaka Road, and in multiple sections of the CBD, where rising floodwaters slowed movement.
The Red Cross urged residents living in flood-prone areas to remain cautious as the rains continue.
“We are closely monitoring the situation and urge the public to avoid flooded roads and riverbanks as rescue teams continue with response operations,” the agency said.
Meanwhile, President Ruto on Sunday assured Kenyans that the government is fully mobilised to respond to the ongoing heavy rains and floods affecting several parts of the country, which have put lives and livelihoods at risk.
He said a multi-agency emergency response has already been activated, including rescue operations, evacuation of affected residents, and the clearing of blocked drainage systems.
“The ongoing heavy rains affecting several parts of our country continue to put lives and livelihoods at risk. My thoughts are with the families and communities that have already been affected during this difficult period,” the president said in a message on X.
A flooded section of Ring Road in Kilimani on March 15, 2026, after heavy rains left parts of the road submerged, disrupting traffic as motorists struggled to navigate the waterlogged area.
The Head of State added that he directed authorities last week to activate a coordinated response involving emergency services, security agencies, humanitarian teams, and technical departments.
“Last week, I directed the activation of a multi-agency response bringing together emergency services, security agencies, humanitarian teams and technical departments to coordinate efforts and manage the situation effectively in Nairobi and across the country,” Ruto said.
The government said several agencies are on the ground assisting with rescue and evacuation operations, while others are working to clear blocked drainage systems and restore access routes in flooded areas.
Dr Ruto added that the national government is working closely with county governments to ensure residents in affected areas are safe and receive necessary support.
“The National Government is working closely with county governments to ensure the safety and protection of all citizens,” he said.
He also noted that emergency food supplies and medical assistance are being delivered to people affected by the floods.
“Emergency food supplies and medical assistance are already being delivered to all people affected by the floods,” Dr Ruto said.
City residents walk across a flooded section of Moi Avenue on March 15, 2026, after heavy rains pounded different parts of the city.
The president urged Kenyans to follow safety advisories issued by authorities, particularly the Kenya Meteorological Department and the police, as the government continues to monitor the situation.
“We continue to closely monitor the situation, and I urge all Kenyans to strictly follow the guidance issued by relevant authorities. These advisories are issued for your safety,” he said.
The latest floods came just a week after previous floods claimed 62 lives, including 46 men, eight women, and eight children, according to the Ministry of Interior and National Administration.
Nairobi County recorded the highest number of fatalities with 33 deaths, followed by the Eastern region with 17 and the Rift Valley with seven. Nyanza and the Coast each reported two deaths, while the Central region registered one.
Earlier reports indicated that more than 10,000 households were affected nationwide, with 4,845 people displaced and forced to seek shelter in safer areas. In response, the Nairobi County Government announced a one-month waiver on levies and approvals for property repairs.
A young man attempts to walk across a flooded section of Kenyatta Avenue on March 15, 2026, as heavy rains pounded different parts of the city on Saturday evening.
Acting County Secretary Godfrey Akumali said the measure, announced on March 11, is intended to allow residents and businesses to quickly restore properties damaged by the floods. Normally, residents must secure approvals and pay levies before carrying out repair work.
A mapping exercise conducted under the Nairobi Rivers Regeneration Programme has identified 37 neighbourhoods located along major river corridors and locations vulnerable to flooding. In Nairobi East, the areas identified include Kiambiu, Dandora, Kariobangi, Kayole, Komarock, Njiru, Ruai, Mwiki, Donholm, Savannah, Tassia, and Fedha, many of which lie downstream along sections of the Nairobi River and its tributaries.
In Nairobi West, flood-prone locations include Madaraka, Nairobi West, Lang’ata, Kawangware, Kangemi, Lavington, Westlands, Parklands, Kitisuru, Spring Valley, Kileleshwa, and Chiromo, areas situated along upstream and midstream sections of the river network. In the Nairobi North corridor, neighbourhoods such as Mathare, Korogocho, and Lucky Summer have been identified along the Mathare River, where dense settlements closely border the river banks.
Within Nairobi Central, key locations along the river corridor include the Central Business District (CBD), Globe, Gikomba, Eastleigh, and the Industrial Area, where sections of Nairobi River pass through. In Nairobi South, the mapping highlights Kilimani, Kibera, South C, South B, Mukuru Kwa Reuben, and Kwa Njenga, many of which lie along the Ngong River corridor.
“As multi-agency disaster response teams continue to coordinate relief and response efforts, residents living near riparian and in low-lying areas are urged to remain vigilant and prioritize their safety during periods of heavy rainfall.” The Interior Ministry said in an update on Sunday.
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