Heavy rains cause losses in Nairobi, Kirinyaga

Flash floods wreaked havoc in several parts of the country, with Nairobi and its environs suffering drainage and traffic crisis following overnight storms.

City roads were rendered impassable by running water while residential houses and private compounds were flooded in Eastlands, South C, South B and parts of Thika Road after a heavy downpour hit Nairobi.

More than 600 students of Nairobi’s Embakasi Girls Secondary School were sent home following heavy flooding in their institution. Principal Nancy Mutahi said a laboratory, dormitory, classes and other facilities were badly affected by the floods.

“Emergency services providers responded but they could not do much and we decided to close the school until further notice. Only form four students will remain in school,” said Ms Mutahi. She said students’ possessions were damaged by the flooding at the school that is run by the County Government of Nairobi.

Most city roads, including Mbagathi way, Bunyala Road, Ngong Road and Haile Selassie, were also affected by the heavy downpour. A tree fell across  Haile Selassie Avenue near the Railways Club, blocking the busy road.

The police blamed the situation on poor drainage.

In Central Kenya, a man was seriously injured after a hailstorm pounded Karii village in Kirinyaga County. The hailstorm struck the village at about 2pm Friday.

Francis Gachoki, 80, said he was reading his Bible when strong winds hit his newly-constructed house. His roof was blown off, leaving him exposed to the harsh weather.

The roof of a nearby church had its roof ripped off by the strong winds, while banana plantations were destroyed. Three high voltage electricity poles were also struck, leaving the area without electricity.

Area MP Peter Gitau, who visited the victims, said the damage caused was enormous and urged the Kenya Red Cross to move in and assist affected residents.

“Most of the victims are the elderly, children and the sick,” he said.

Residents told The Standard on Sunday they were in dire need of food, bedding and medicine having been exposed to the cold for over 24 hours.