National Disaster Operations Centre issues flood risk alert for Nairobi and its environs
By Cynthia Lodite, March 19, 2026The Kenya National Disaster Operations Centre (NDOC) has issued a flood risk alert within Nairobi and its environs as heavy rainfall is expected to intensify across several parts of the country from March 19–24, 2026.
In a statement on the official X account on Thursday, March 19, 2026, the center identified 37 flood-prone areas across Nairobi.
According to the National Disaster Operations Centre, the areas are mainly along major river corridors, including the Nairobi, Ngong, and Mathare rivers.
“Flood Alert | Nairobi County. A recent mapping has identified 37 flood-prone areas across Nairobi, mainly along major river corridors including the Nairobi, Ngong, and Mathare rivers,” NDOC announced.
In addition, the Centre announced a flooding risk amid the ongoing heavy rainfall noting that rivers may overflow.
Similarly, the Centre announced that residents residing within urban areas are likely to be affected by the floods.
On the other hand, the Disaster Centre has urged residents in low-lying areas and riparian zones to stay alert and prioritise safety further assuring citizens that multi-agency teams are on standby.
“With ongoing heavy rainfall, the flooding risk is increasing. Rivers may overflow, Urban areas may be affected Residents in low-lying and riparian zones are urged to stay alert and prioritize safety. Multi-agency teams are on standby,” NDOC stated.
Met warns of heavy downpour
Meanwhile, the alert comes a day after the Kenya Meteorological Department warned of heavy rainfall expected across several parts of the country from Wednesday night through to early next week, with the intensity likely to peak over the weekend.
In an advisory issued on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, the Met Department said rainfall currently being experienced in different regions is set to intensify to more than 20mm within 24 hours between March 19 and March 24.
“The rainfall being experienced over several parts of the country is expected to intensify to more than 20mm in 24 hours from March 19 to March 24, 2026. The intensity is expected to peak between March 20 and 23, 2026, before decreasing in intensity on March 24, 2026,” Met said.
Counties expected to be affected include Turkana, Samburu, Migori, Nyamira, Bungoma, Busia, Kakamega, Vihiga, West Pokot, Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, Trans Nzoia, Nandi, Uasin Gishu, Nakuru, Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Kisii, Kericho, Bomet, Kiambu, Embu, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Laikipia, Tharaka-Nithi and Meru.
Others are Nairobi, Narok, Kajiado, Makueni, Machakos, Taita Taveta, Kitui, Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi and Garissa, as well as parts of Marsabit, Isiolo, Wajir, Mandera and Tana River.
According to the advisory, rainfall will persist in multiple regions, including the Lake Victoria Basin, Highlands West of the Rift Valley, the Rift Valley and the Highlands East of the Rift Valley, including Nairobi, despite the predicted reduction in intensity towards the end of the forecast period.