Nairobi residents, particularly in the Mukuru-Kwa Reuben informal settlement, are blaming the Nairobi County Government for the ongoing flooding crisis fuelled by heavy rains.

More than 500 families in Mukuru have been severely affected, with floodwaters mixed with sewage infiltrating homes and making living conditions unbearable.

The lack of an adequate drainage system to channel water from the nearby industrial area into the Ngong River has been cited as the main cause of the havoc. Residents say the problem has persisted for years, tracing it back to at least 2024.

James Mwangi, chairman of Mukuru residents, recounted how they approached the county government and the governor’s office that year. The governor visited and promised to construct a drainage system to redirect the water safely.

“He came here and said that the drainage system will be constructed and the water will be sent to people,” Mwangi said. Residents say no follow-up action has been taken since the visit.

Daily life disrupted, frustrations rise

Local frustrations run deep as the floods continue to disrupt life in Mukuru. Henry Mwaura, another resident, spoke of the challenges faced by families.

“Unaona vile kuna maji, hakuna drainage, hakuna stima na tuko na MCA so unashangaa tulichagua MP na MCA ju ya kazi gani? Hao kazi yao ni kusema wantam na hakuna kitu wanafanya. Wananchi tunaumia, watoto hawawezi toka nje, wazazi kuna wagonjwa wako Asthma halafu hiyo maji imeingia kwa nyumba,” he said.

He highlighted the absence of drainage and electricity, questioning the role of elected leaders while children remain confined indoors and asthma patients suffer as contaminated water invades homes.

Floods intensify nationwide

The flooding in Mukuru is part of a broader crisis affecting Nairobi and other parts of Kenya during the March-April-May long rains. Heavy downpours have triggered flash floods, claiming four lives and displacing 347 households, according to Anthony Muchiri, Emergency Response Director at the Kenya Red Cross.

Among the victims was Samuel Wangila, a veteran Red Cross volunteer electrocuted while aiding rescue operations near the Mbagathi River on March 3, 2026.

Other areas in Nairobi, including Dawn Home and Karura Forest, have also faced severe flooding. The Kenya Forest Service announced temporary closures of parts of Karura Forest to protect the public.

The Red Cross, working with partners, has sent 17 million SMS alerts urging people to move to higher ground. Muchiri urged caution, saying, “If floodwaters cover a bridge or if you are unsure it is safe to cross, do not attempt it. It is better to take a longer route than risk your life.”

As rains peak between March 4 and 7, 2026, residents in informal settlements like Mukuru call for urgent action to prevent recurring disasters and address longstanding infrastructure neglect.