The number of people killed by floods in Kenya has risen to 66, the National Police Service (NPS) said, as heavy rains continued to hit several parts of the country.

Police said search and rescue teams remain on the ground as authorities respond to the damage caused by days of intense downpours. Floodwaters have swept through homes, roads and businesses in many areas.

In a press statement issued on March 15, 2026, the NPS said the 66 victims include 50 men, eight women and eight children.

Nairobi recorded the highest number of deaths, with 33 people losing their lives. The Eastern region reported 18 fatalities, while the Rift Valley recorded eight. Nyanza had four deaths, the Coast region two and the Central region one.

The flooding has also displaced thousands of people. Police said more than 2,000 families have lost their homes and now require shelter and assistance.

Authorities said rescue teams are working with other government agencies and partners to help those affected.

“The National Police Service remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting and serving the public,” the statement read. “Our teams remain actively deployed on the ground and are ready to respond to any emergencies or distress situations.”

Police issue safety warning

Police urged residents to stay alert and follow official safety advice as the rains continue.

They asked the public to rely on updates from the Kenya Meteorological Department and other government agencies. Officers also asked people to report emergencies through the nearest police station or through the toll-free numbers.

Members of the public can also report information through the Directorate of Criminal Investigations hotline 0800 722 203 or WhatsApp number 0709 570 000.

NPS spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga, who signed the statement, warned that the risk remains high in several regions because the rains have not stopped.

The Ministry of Interior has also identified 37 areas in Nairobi that are highly vulnerable to flooding after conducting a mapping exercise under the Nairobi Rivers Regeneration Programme. According to a statement issued on March 15, the exercise focused on neighbourhoods located along major river corridors and other flood-prone zones.

Areas flagged include Kiambiu, Dandora, Kariobangi, Kayole, Komarock and Ruai in Nairobi East; Mathare, Korogocho and Lucky Summer in the northern corridor; and Kilimani, Kibera, South C and Mukuru Kwa Reuben along the Ngong River. Authorities warned that residents living near rivers and in low-lying areas face a higher risk during heavy rains and urged them to remain vigilant.

NEMA blames old drains

The National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) has blamed Nairobi’s persistent flooding on an ageing drainage system and uncontrolled development along riverbanks.

NEMA Director-General Mamo Mamo told a parliamentary committee that much of the city’s drainage infrastructure dates back to the 1970s and cannot cope with current urban growth and heavy rainfall. He also pointed to informal settlements without sewer lines, waste dumping in rivers and buildings constructed on riparian land as factors that worsen flooding in the capital.