How poor planning left Nairobi exposed to deadly floods
Experts blame poor urban planning, overwhelmed drainage systems and concrete jungles that have replaced absorbent soil...
✨ Key Highlights
Poor urban planning and inadequate infrastructure are identified as the primary causes of devastating floods in Nairobi. Experts warn that decades of neglected warnings and uncoordinated development have left the capital vulnerable to heavy rainfall.
- 25 people have died following the floods, with 23 fatalities in Nairobi as of Saturday.
- Experts from the Town and County Planners Association, Institute of Surveyors of Kenya, and Architectural Association of Kenya blame weak planning and overwhelmed drainage systems.
- The current 2015 master plan is deemed insufficient, lacking an integrated approach to infrastructure development that keeps pace with rapid urban growth.
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KeNHA Closes Major Highway After Floodwaters Submerge Bridge - March 2026
The Kenya National Highway Authority (KeNHA) has closed the Kaplong–Kisii Road following severe flooding at the Kipsonoi River Bridge in the Mugeni area on March 7. The death toll from severe flooding in Nairobi has risen to 28 following heavy overnight rainfall, with rescue teams actively searching for survivors. Heavy rains across Kenya have resulted in 42 deaths and displaced over 50,000 people, with 172 vehicles swept away according to CS Ruku. The Kenya Wildlife Service restricted tourist access to Tsavo East National Park through the Sala gate due to impassable roads and flash floods that stranded 15 vans. Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company announced water supply disruptions in 15 estates across Nairobi following heavy rains that damaged critical distribution pipelines. Meanwhile, poor urban planning and inadequate infrastructure are identified as the primary causes of devastating floods in Nairobi, with experts warning that decades of neglected warnings have left the capital vulnerable.
