As Kenya experiences the onset of the March–April–May long rains, the Kenya Red Cross has stepped up efforts to assist communities affected by flooding.

In Kisumu County, the Sondu-Miriu River burst its banks, displacing hundreds of residents in Wang’chieng Ward.

Kobala and Kobuya locations have seen homes submerged and belongings swept away, while roughly 56 hectares of farmland have been destroyed, threatening local food security.

Volunteers and Community-Based Disaster Response teams have carried out timely evacuations, preventing reported casualties and highlighting the impact of early preparedness.

“Beyond Nairobi, flooding has also been reported in Wang’chieng Ward, Kisumu County, after the Sondu-Miriu River burst its banks, affecting Kobala and Kobuya locations. Approximately 381 households have been affected, with homesteads and farms flooded and about 56 hectares of farmland destroyed.”

Widespread disruptions across urban areas

Flooding has also affected urban centers, with heavy rains transforming Nairobi streets into rivers. Key roads, including Uhuru Highway, Mombasa Road, Thika Superhighway, Jogoo Road, and Lang’ata Road, have been severely impacted.

Residents in Pipeline, Embakasi, Mukuru, Kibra, Mathare, and South C have faced long delays, while rescue teams have intervened to save lives, including 20 people along Kirinyaga Road.

The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a heavy rainfall advisory through March 9, warning of continued precipitation exceeding 20mm in 24 hours across the Lake Victoria Basin, Western Kenya, and parts of the Central Highlands, raising concerns about further flash floods and infrastructure strain.

Safety measures

In response, the Kenya Red Cross has issued urgent guidelines for residents in flood-prone areas. Even shallow moving water is dangerous: six inches can knock an adult off their feet, and one foot of fast-flowing water can sweep away a vehicle.

Residents are advised to evacuate to higher ground, switch off electricity in inundated homes, avoid driving near rivers, and never cross flooded bridges.

Additional precautions include using a stick to test water depth, avoiding downed power lines, and refraining from walking through electrified or muddy water.

Authorities and communities are urged to remain vigilant, follow official updates, and use the toll-free emergency line 1199 for assistance.

These floods expose ongoing vulnerabilities in urban drainage and rural river management, worsened by climate variability. The Kenya Red Cross continues search-and-rescue operations, early warning dissemination, and support for displaced families, emphasising the importance of prioritising safety as the rainy season continues.