The Ministry of Health has activated coordinated emergency health response measures to mitigate the impact of ongoing heavy rains and flooding across the country.

Speaking on Thursday, March 12, 2026, during a high-level stakeholder meeting held at Afya Annex in Nairobi, Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Mary Muthoni, emphasized the government’s commitment to safeguarding health services and protecting affected communities.

She regretted that the flooding experienced in the country last week had disrupted access to health services and heightened the risk of disease outbreaks in several regions.

“As the Ministry of Health, we recognise that the current floods have already disrupted access to health services, displaced communities, damaged infrastructure, and increased the risk of disease outbreaks in several regions”, she stated.

To counter these risks, the CS confirmed that a nationwide contingency plan is now in effect. The Ministry is working in lockstep with county governments to ramp up disease surveillance, ensuring any rainy-season outbreaks are detected and neutralized before they spread.

Support and collaboration

She appreciated the support and collaboration of partners, including the Kenya Red Cross Society, the World Health Organization, and UNDP, who have played an important role in strengthening preparedness efforts.

“The Ministry also acknowledged partners, including the Kenya Red Cross Society, World Health Organization, and UNDP, for their support in developing and supporting the flood preparedness plan,” part of the ministry report read.

She said the Ministry has developed the Long Rains Flood Contingency Plan 2026, which focuses on key pillars including health sector coordination, disease surveillance and outbreak control, emergency response support, laboratory services, and resource mobilisation.

“Through a coordinated health sector approach, we have developed the Long Rains Flood Contingency Plan 2026, which focuses on key pillars including health sector coordination, disease surveillance and outbreak control, emergency search and rescue, laboratory support, emergency relief, and resource mobilisation”, she stated.

The consultative meeting brought together national and county government representatives, humanitarian organizations, and development partners to synchronize efforts and maintain essential health services throughout the rainy season.

“This consultative meeting brought together national and county government representatives, humanitarian partners, and key stakeholders to review the evolving situation and strengthen coordinated action to protect lives, support affected communities, and ensure continuity of essential health services”, she said.

March floods

In a press release on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, the National Police Service (NPS) confirmed the number of deaths following the recent deadly floods witnessed in various parts of the country, including Nairobi city.

The police announced that the fatalities stand at forty-nine, with 2,624 families having been displaced from their homes.

“The National Police Service (NPS) wishes to provide an update to the public following the heavy rains and flooding affecting various parts of the country, particularly in Nairobi,” NPS said.

The new statement indicated that the forty-nine people who succumbed to the floods are from various parts of the country affected by the deadly floods.