Nairobi, Kenya – At least 23 people have died after sudden flash floods swept through parts of Nairobi following heavy overnight rains from Friday into Saturday, officials said.
Rescue workers recovered bodies on Saturday as torrents of water surged through streets, carrying away dozens of vehicles and leaving parts of the city submerged. The flooding also disrupted flights at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, East Africa’s busiest aviation hub.
Kenyan President William Ruto said emergency response teams, including military units, had been deployed to reinforce rescue operations across affected neighborhoods. He offered condolences to families of the victims and said food supplies from national reserves would be released to assist those impacted by the disaster.
In the industrial district of Grogan, security guard John Lomayan said he witnessed an elderly roadside egg vendor swept away by fast-rising waters after the Nairobi River burst its banks. The man’s body was later found beneath a vehicle. A bus driver, John Mwai, said he used his vehicle to help evacuate residents to higher ground.
Witnesses reported several bodies being pulled from beneath vehicles, while some victims were believed to have been electrocuted after power lines were damaged by floodwaters. State utility Kenya Power said flooding damaged equipment at an electricity substation, leaving at least 14 neighborhoods without power.
Police said at least 71 vehicles were swept away and many roads became impassable, bringing traffic in the capital to a standstill. Homes and businesses were also flooded after drainage systems were overwhelmed by the intense rainfall.
National carrier Kenya Airways said the severe weather disrupted flights into Nairobi, with some aircraft diverted to Mombasa. Authorities said technicians were working to restore electricity while emergency teams continued to monitor rivers and drainage systems as heavy rains persisted.
