Heavy rains have triggered deadly flooding and landslides across Kenya, with police reporting at least 18 deaths and warnings for residents.
Flash floods and landslides have struck multiple parts of Kenya, killing at least 18 people, as heavy rains continue to batter the country.
Kenyan police said Sunday that landslides were reported in Tharaka Nithi, Elgeyo-Marakwet, and Kiambu counties, in central and eastern areas. They confirmed 18 deaths linked to the incidents and urged residents to take extra care as conditions remain unpredictable.
Misryoum notes that when rains intensify, the risk often spreads beyond riverbanks, reaching hillsides and road corridors where mud and debris can move quickly.
Police described mudslides as affecting multiple families, displacing households, and damaging property and infrastructure. They also cautioned people living in flood- or landslide-prone areas, adding that the situation is worsening for communities on the ground.
In Nairobi, reports described streets inundated with water, with cars and pedestrians having to navigate through flooded areas. While officials have not outlined a detailed displacement figure, the impact on daily life has been visible in many neighborhoods.
Meanwhile, traders in Nairobi’s Makongeni and Ruai areas staged protests on Sunday, saying deteriorating road conditions during the rains have disrupted their businesses. The demonstrations highlighted how weather-related damage can quickly become an economic and public-safety concern.
Earlier, weather authorities warned that the ongoing rains bring health risks, including waterborne diseases, and that crops and farmland could be hit. With the country in its seasonal March-to-May rainfall period, forecasters had cautioned that the peak period can bring intensified downpours.
Misryoum adds that deadly events tend to leave lasting pressure on local services, from health protection to road repair, especially when communities are already dealing with the aftermath.
This is the second time in less than two months that parts of Kenya have faced deadly flooding. In March, floodwaters affected areas of Nairobi and killed at least 37 people, underscoring how quickly severe weather can return during the same season.