NAIROBI, Kenya — Severe flooding triggered by relentless overnight rainfall has brought Kenya’s capital to a standstill, leaving motorists trapped for hours and prompting military deployment for emergency rescue operations. The crisis unfolded as torrential downpours that commenced Friday continued through the night, transforming major roadways into impassable waterways and submerging vehicles across the city.
In response to the escalating situation, Kenyan military rescue units have been activated to support overwhelmed emergency services. The government’s intervention included the temporary suspension of toll fees on elevated highways to facilitate evacuation efforts. Kenya Red Cross response teams faced significant challenges reaching stranded residents due to severely compromised road infrastructure.
Ahmed Idris, Secretary-General of Kenya Red Cross, confirmed via social media platform X that search and rescue operations were underway despite formidable obstacles. “Our teams are working tirelessly though severely constrained by the complete breakdown of road networks. We are prioritizing all efforts to reach those in critical need,” Idris stated.
Social media platforms became flooded with visual evidence of the catastrophe, showing residential areas completely inundated and citizens wading through chest-high waters. The disaster has reignited public anger toward municipal authorities, with residents citing chronically inadequate drainage infrastructure as the primary cause of preventable flooding.
Aisha Bajaber, a Nairobi resident, expressed the collective frustration on X: “Yet again our city drowns in floodwaters. When will officials address the complete absence of functional drainage systems?” This current emergency occurs within Kenya’s long-rains season, which traditionally begins in late February and has historically resulted in catastrophic consequences including lethal landslides, mudslides, and mass displacements affecting thousands of citizens.