Heavy rains on Saturday night caused severe flooding across Nairobi, damaging roads, flooding homes, and leaving several residents stranded. The flooding occurred only a week after another heavy downpour displaced hundreds of people in the city.
Following the incident, the Ministry of Interior and National Administration announced that 37 neighbourhoods in Nairobi have been identified as flood-prone areas.
How the Areas Were Identified
The ministry explained that the areas were identified through a mapping exercise under the Nairobi Rivers Regeneration Programme.
The study focused on communities located:
Along the Nairobi River and its tributaries
Near riverbanks and low-lying areas
Upstream, midstream, and downstream sections of major rivers in the city
These locations are considered highly vulnerable to flooding, especially during periods of heavy rainfall.
Flood-Prone Areas in Nairobi East
The neighbourhoods listed in Nairobi East include:
Kiambiu
Dandora
Kariobangi
Kayole
Komarock
Njiru
Ruai
Mwiki
Donholm
Savannah
Tassia
Fedha
Flood-Prone Areas in Nairobi West
In Nairobi West, the affected neighbourhoods include:
Madaraka
Nairobi West
Lang’ata
Kawangware
Kangemi
Lavington
Westlands
Parklands
Kitisuru
Spring Valley
Kileleshwa
Chiromo
Flood-Prone Areas in Nairobi North and Central
In the Nairobi North corridor, areas identified along the Mathare River include:
Mathare
Korogocho
Lucky Summer
Within Nairobi Central, flood-risk zones include:
The Central Business District (CBD)
Globe
Gikomba
Eastleigh
Industrial Area
Flood-Prone Areas in Nairobi South
In Nairobi South, the ministry highlighted areas located along the Ngong River corridor, including:
Kilimani
Kibera
South C
South B
Mukuru Kwa Reuben
Kwa Njenga
Rescue Operations During the Floods
According to the Kenya Red Cross Society, at least 13 people were rescued during the floods.
Among them:
11 passengers stranded in a matatu on Bunyala Road
2 children trapped inside a flooded house in Kilimani
Government Response
Kenya’s president, William Ruto, assured citizens that the government is fully prepared to respond to the emergency.
He said a multi-agency response team—including emergency services, security agencies, humanitarian groups, and technical departments—is working together to manage the situation.
Authorities are also:
Conducting rescue and evacuation operations
Clearing blocked drainage systems
Restoring access roads in affected areas
Safety Warning to Residents
The government has urged residents living near rivers, drainage channels, and other low-lying areas to remain alert during heavy rainfall and to prioritize their safety.
With rains expected to continue in some parts of the country, authorities warn that flooding could still affect several parts of Nairobi if precautionary measures are not taken.
