Floods: Heavy downpour wreaks havoc in Nairobi

Destroyed traffic lights and part of the Imenti House were affected by the fallen trees along Moi Avenue on Wednesday, April 24, 2024. [Samson wire, Standard]

Floods have wreaked havoc in the metropolitan region after a night of heavy downpour.

In Nairobi, six individuals have been reported missing after being swept away by floods, and several households have been displaced within Mathare slums.

Flooded homes in Mathare Slums, Nairobi. [Standard]

Flooded homes in Mathare Slums, Nairobi. [Standard]

The Kenya Red Cross on Wednesday morning said it had initiated a search and rescue operation, and dispatched a team to conduct an assessment in the affected areas.

Moi Avenue in Nairobi's Central Business District was also rendered impassable after rains fell two trees and blocked the road on both sides.

Effect of the rains: A tree falls on Moi Avenue, blocking traffic. [Jacinta Mutura, Standard]

A Fallen tree blocks a section of Moi Avenue in Nairobi CBD. [Jacinta Mutura, Standard]

Destroyed traffic lights and part of Imenti House, Nairobi affected by the fallen trees along Moi Avenue on Wednesday, April 24, 2024. [Samson wire, Standard]

Similar flooding was reported in Syokimau, Machakos County, after the Athi River burst its banks, resulting in a heavy traffic jam on Namanga Road and blockage at the Kitengela entry and exit.

Stranded residents of Kitengela and Athi Athi after River Athi Busted its banks. [Peterson Githaiga, Standard]

Photos and videos circulating on social media show flooding along Thika Road, Kahawa Wendani, Kahawa Sukari, Kenyatta University, and Juja.

X user Alinur Mohamed wrote: "Motorists and pedestrians are advised to avoid Thika Road this morning, especially from Kahawa Wendani, Kahawa Sukari, up to the Kenyatta University area. The area has flooded. Cars are unable to pass through the water."

Adding that: "Athi River broke its banks in Syokimau, Kitengela, Kamulu, some parts of Thika, and in Kinanie, Machakos County. Please stay away from these areas."

Stranded residents of Kitengela and Athi Athi after River Athi Busted its banks. [Peterson Githaiga, Standard]

Another X user, Lord Abraham Mutai wrote: "For the first time, Thika Road is flooded between Kahawa Sukari and Kenyatta University rendering the way impassable due to floods. Kindly Find alternative routes."

The flooding in the city could get worse, according to the weatherman, as enhanced rainfall is expected in April and May.

Additional Reporting by Peterson Githaiga, Wilberforce Okwiri, Jacinta Mutura, Samson Wire.

Public Notice!

Following the heavy rains experienced last night across the country, the following roads within Nairobi County have been heavily affected leading to partial closure.
Aerodrome road, Kapenguria road, UN Avenue - Runda, Kasarani Mwiki Road at Mwiki Bridge.... - Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) (@KURAroads) April 24, 2024