One confirmed dead in Nairobi as floods wreak havoc across the country
By Cynthia Lodite, April 29, 2026Government Spokesperson Issac Mwaura has issued an update on the flood emergency response amid heavy downpour, with one person confirmed dead after being swept away by floods in Roysambu.
In a statement on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, Mwaura confirmed that the ongoing heavy rains have caused significant rises in water levels in key dams along the Tana River cascade.
Roysambu update
“We regret to inform the public that on 28th April 2026 at around 22:30 hours near Turners Club, an unknown female adult aged around 29 years was swept away by fast-moving rainwater following heavy rainfall,” the statement read in part.
According to the report, the victim drowned in a ditch and was retrieved by well-wishers, but was already deceased at the time of rescue. The Duty Officer and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Kasarani visited the scene, which was processed and documented by Crime Scene Investigators (CSI) Kasarani.
The body was taken to City Mortuary, awaiting identification and post-mortem examination. Investigations into the incident have commenced, and the case is pending inquiry under DCI Kasarani.
Meanwhile, the Government has extended its heartfelt condolences to the family, loved ones, and all those affected by loss during this moment of flooding.
Garissa, Tana River Dam levels surge
On the other hand, the Mwaura confirmed that as of the evening of April 28, 2026, at around 20:00 hours, Masinga Dam was reported as full, prompting controlled water releases to prevent damage.
Similarly, Kamburu, Gitaru and Kindaruma dams have been actively regulated to maintain safe operational levels.
These measures are critical to safeguard the structural integrity of the dams, especially given the substantial inflows from the Aberdares and Mount Kenya regions.
At the same time, the government has announced that Kiambere Dam will begin spilling within the next five days due to continued inflows.
The developments have heightened the risk of flooding downstream, particularly in Garissa and Tana River counties.
However, the government, through the National Disaster Operation Centre (NDOC) and relevant agencies, continues to closely monitor the situation while coordinating preparedness and response efforts.
In addition, residents in low-lying areas, especially in Garissa and Tana River counties, are strongly urged to move to higher ground immediately to protect lives and property.
Local authorities and community leaders are called upon to widely disseminate this information and facilitate safe evacuations as necessary.
Kasarani Sub-County
In Kasarani Location, the Street 13 bridge towards Mwiki has been submerged by the Gatharaini River and is impassable. Several houses have been flooded: 20 in the Maanguo area, 60 in the Maternity area and 30 in the Muirigo area.
Likewise, in Mwiki Location, the Nairobi River is swollen but has not broken its banks; however, flooding has also occurred along the Njeri House-Nyawai Road at ACK Street 5 to 7.
Meanwhile, the government has said that the Disaster Response Team, led by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), is actively managing the Kasarani flood situation.
The general public is further advised to remain vigilant as heavy rains are expected to persist across various parts of the country.
“The Government will maintain continuous surveillance and provide timely updates. We call upon all citizens to strictly adhere to official advisories, report emergencies promptly to the nearest disaster management offices and cooperate fully with authorities,” the statement read in part.