Nairobi’s failing drainage exposed again as flooded roads trap hundreds
Heavy rains flooded major Nairobi roads Friday night, trapping motorists and prompting KDF rescue operations as ageing drainage and sewer systems struggled...
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Nairobi faced severe traffic chaos and rescue operations on Friday night after heavy rains flooded major roads, trapping hundreds of vehicles and commuters.
- The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) were deployed to assist in evacuating motorists and passengers from submerged vehicles.
- The flooding highlighted the inadequacy of Nairobi's ageing drainage and sewer infrastructure, overwhelmed by modern urban expansion and waste dumping.
- Governor Johnson Sakaja has previously stated the drainage systems were not designed for current rainfall intensity, a situation exacerbated by warnings of intensifying rainfall.
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At least 10 dead as President Ruto deploys military for flood rescue in Nairobi - March 2026
At least 10 people have died in Nairobi following intense overnight rains that caused severe flooding on March 6, 2026. President William Ruto has deployed the Kenya Defence Forces to assist in rescue efforts, with the military joining the Kenya Red Cross in helping stranded commuters. The torrential downpour overwhelmed the city's drainage systems, submerging vehicles and businesses in the CBD and major highways. Meanwhile, the Kenya Meteorological Department has warned that heavy rains will continue across many parts of the country through the weekend of March 7 and March 8. The government has ordered all sub-counties to establish immediate flood emergency response centres to manage the escalating impact of ongoing heavy rains and floods. In Kisumu County, 381 households were affected after the Sondu-Miriu River burst its banks in Wang'chieng Ward, submerging homes and farms.
