Torrential Rains And Flash Floods Kill At Least 81 Across Kenya

At Least 81 Dead as Heavy Rains and Floods Ravage Kenya

Kenya is grappling with severe flooding after torrential rains and flash floods claimed at least 81 lives this month, officials reported. The downpours have submerged entire villages, destroyed farmland, and displaced thousands of residents.

Kisumu County has been particularly devastated. The Sondu Miriu River overflowed in Nyakach, displacing more than 3,000 families. Around 1,200 hectares of farmland have been lost, wiping out crops and livestock. Local chief Seth Oluoch Agwanda said, “We have lost farmlands due to massive erosion… and many crops,” as authorities moved residents to over eight evacuation centres. Some families remain stranded in rising waters, with limited access to shelter. Residents described widespread destruction, with Kennedy Oguta noting, “There is no house that is not flooded,” while Sarah Akinyi Onyango reported children and other vulnerable residents trapped in homes.

The capital, Nairobi, has also been affected, with 37 deaths, damage to homes and infrastructure, and ongoing flooding in areas such as Kiambu and Kasaka, where landslides have been reported. Authorities have urged residents to exercise “extreme caution” as forecasts predict continued heavy rainfall.

Experts warn that climate change is intensifying extreme weather events in East Africa, increasing the frequency of both devastating floods and prolonged droughts.