Hundreds rescued as Rivers Nyando, Tana and Sosiani burst banks
By Emmanuel Rono, March 24, 2026Heavy rains have caused rivers across Kenya to burst their banks, triggering widespread flooding and displacing hundreds of residents.
According to a statement on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, by the Ministry of Interior, in Kisumu County, the Nyando River overflowed, forcing authorities to rescue 265 households and six unaccompanied children.
The affected residents are currently sheltered at the compounds of the Ahero Assistant County Commissioner, Ahero Catholic Pastoral Centre, and Ombaka Dispensary.
“River Nyando has burst its banks, causing widespread flooding across parts of Kisumu County. So far, 265 households and six children without their parents were rescued and are currently sheltered at the compounds of the office of the Ahero Assistant County Commissioner, Ahero Catholic. Pastoral Centre and Ombaka dispensary,” the ministry stated.
Other Regions Flooded
The ministry also stated that flooding has been reported in other parts of the country. In Tana River County, the Tana River overflowed, inundating farms in Mbalambala, threatening crops and livelihoods.
Meanwhile, in Uasin Gishu County, flooding along the Sosiani River has impacted residential areas as well as hospitality facilities, disrupting communities and local businesses.
“Elsewhere, River Tana has also overflowed in Tana River County, flooding farms in Mbalambala, while in Uasin Gishu, flooding along River Sosiani has affected residential and hospitality facilities,” the ministry noted.
Government Response and Fatalities
According to the ministry, as of March 24, 2026, the national death toll due to floods has risen to 88 people, with three others still missing in 21 affected counties, leading to the displacement of 34,150 people.
The ministry highlighted that the counties affected are; Nairobi, Kisumu, Narok, Kiambu, Migori, Siaya, Makueni, Busia, Wajir, Kisii, Homabay, Taita Taveta, Baringo, Kajiado, Kitui, Kwale, Machakos, Kericho, Embu, Tharaka Nithi, West Pokot.
The Nairobi region recorded the highest number of fatalities at 37, followed by the Eastern region with 21, Rift Valley with 8, Nyanza with 7, Coast with 5, and Central with 3, while the Western region reported no fatalities.
Services Disrupted, Impassable Roads & Bridges, Power Outages, Water Supply Lines Damaged, Schools Impacted
“Kenya MET has warned that the country should expect continued heavy rainfall, flash floods, and storm hazards throughout the early part of the long-rains season, even though rainfall intensity may fluctuate through the month,” the ministry noted.