President William Ruto has ordered the deployment of Kenya Defence Forces and an emergency response team to speed up rescue and relief efforts after devastating floods that have caused deaths and displaced families in Nairobi. The National Police Service reports a death toll of 23, while the Kenya Meteorological Department warns of continued rains until March 9. The government has promised to release food reserves and cover medical bills for affected victims.
Devastating floods triggered by heavy rains on Friday night, March 6, 2026, have impacted Nairobi and nearby areas like Kiambu and Kajiado, with the death toll rising to 23 according to the National Police Service, though earlier reports cited 10. The NPS has confirmed rescuing 29 people and continuing overnight search operations. Affected areas include Mukuru, Kibra, Mathare, Huruma, South B and C, Pipeline/Embakasi, Roysambu, Kahawa West, Githurai, and parts of Westlands. Roads such as Uhuru Highway, Mombasa Road, Thika Superhighway, Jogoo Road, and Lang'ata Road have been closed or disrupted.
President Ruto, speaking from the EAC Summit in Arusha, Tanzania, stated, "I have directed the immediate deployment of a multi-agency emergency response team led by the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, working closely with the Kenya Defence Forces and other emergency response agencies." The directive includes coordinating rescues, supporting communities, and relocating those in danger to safer areas. The KDF had already deployed a Rapid Response Unit (RRU) on Friday night to assist stranded motorists and residents.
The government has ordered the release of relief food from national strategic reserves and will cover hospital bills for flood victims in public facilities. Governor Johnson Sakaja stated that the county has deployed 4,000 Green Army personnel to unclog drainage. Additionally, the ongoing Nairobi River Regeneration Programme aims to restore ecosystems, improve drainage, and reduce future flood risks.
The National Water Harvesting and Storage Authority (NWHSA), through Director General Julius Mugun, has called for long-term rainwater harvesting strategies to control recurring floods. "The floods we are witnessing now clearly show that our current infrastructure cannot handle this level of water," Mugun said. The Kenya Meteorological Department has warned of up to 100mm of rain in some areas, urging residents to avoid flooded roads and treat drinking water.
The floods have also damaged infrastructure: water pipelines were affected, causing shortages in areas like Buruburu and Dandora; and the South C substation was flooded, leading to power outages in South B, Langata, and other locations. Nairobi Police Commander George Seda said 71 vehicles were trapped by the floods.
