The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has defended the design and safety of the Greenpark Pedestrian Underpass in Nairobi after heavy rains pounded the capital, raising public concerns about possible flooding in the underground facility.

In a statement issued via social media on Saturday, March 7, 2026, following Friday’s downpour, the highways authority assured the public that the pedestrian tunnel remained safe and dry despite a large volume of rainwater flowing near the area.

According to KeNHA, rainwater was observed moving close to the underpass during the heavy storm, but the facility itself did not experience any flooding.

“The Authority would like to assure the public that following the heavy rainfall experienced yesterday, a large amount of rainwater was observed flowing near the Greenpark Pedestrian Underpass. However, the underpass remained safe and flood-free,” the authority said.

Drainage system

KeNHA attributed the situation to the infrastructure’s drainage system, which was designed to prevent water accumulation even during intense rainfall.

The authority explained that the underpass is equipped with a drainage mechanism that channels any water that enters the facility into a designated collection point where it is pumped out.

Additionally, the entry points to the tunnel were constructed at a raised level to help prevent stormwater from flowing directly into the underpass.

“This is due to the robust drainage system installed, which channels any water that may enter into a collection point where it is pumped out, as well as the raised entry points that help prevent water from flowing into the facility,” KeNHA stated.

The agency reiterated that the underpass remained operational and safe for public use throughout the storm.

“The underpass remained safe and dry with no flooding reported,” the authority added.

The clarification comes amid widespread flooding reported in several parts of Nairobi following the heavy rains, which caused damage to homes, roads, and businesses in some low-lying neighbourhoods.

Flood’s death toll

The National Police Service (NPS) has confirmed twenty-three casualties, with at least twenty-nine people successfully rescued from various locations.

“The National Police Service wishes to update the public on the ongoing search and rescue operations following the heavy overnight rainfall, which has caused widespread flooding and disruption across various parts of Nairobi,” NPS said in a statement issued on Saturday, March 7, 2026.

The police also confirmed that the heavy downpour has led to the destruction of property, road closures, and the displacement of residents within Nairobi.

“The torrential rains have led to significant flooding, unfortunately resulting in 23 fatalities so far, the destruction of property, road closures, and the displacement of residents,” NPS added.