Wamalwa calls for floods and drought to be declared national disasters
By Faith Lagat, March 8, 2026Eugene Wamalwa has called for the devastating floods affecting several parts of the country, alongside persistent drought threats, to be declared a national disaster.
In a post on X on March 8, 2026, the former Defence Cabinet Secretary urged the national government, county governments and development partners to take urgent action.
“Devastating floods and drought should be declared a national disaster, and immediate remedial action should be taken by both the national and affected county governments and all partners! “Wamalwa stated in an X post.
His call comes as heavy rains continue to pound several regions, causing flash floods that have displaced families, destroyed homes and damaged infrastructure.
Rising death toll
The ongoing rains that began around March 6 and 7 have caused widespread flooding, particularly in Nairobi and the surrounding areas. Flash floods have overwhelmed drainage systems in some neighbourhoods, submerging houses and roads, and vehicles have been swept away in some areas.
Reports indicate the death toll has risen to 43, with several people reported to have drowned or been electrocuted during the floods. Search and rescue operations are continuing as emergency teams move to affected areas.
Authorities have warned that the number of casualties could rise as assessments continue in different parts of the country.
Counties affected by floods
At least 16 counties have been affected by the floods, including Nairobi, Kiambu, Kajiado, Makueni, Nakuru, Migori, Murang’a, Bungoma, Kwale, Kirinyaga and Tharaka Nithi.
Thousands of households have been affected, with families displaced and others forced to move to higher ground as water levels rose in several areas.
In Osodo Village in Homa Bay County, nearly 200 residents were evacuated after floodwaters submerged homes. Farmland has also been affected in several regions, with crops destroyed in areas where rivers burst their banks.
Officials say the flooding has damaged roads and other infrastructure in affected counties.
Calls for coordinated response
Government agencies have been involved in search and rescue operations as well as support for affected communities. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen expressed concern over the loss of lives and property, particularly in Nairobi.
He said government agencies are working together to respond to the situation and urged the public to remain vigilant and follow advisories from the Kenya Meteorological Department.
Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku earlier confirmed 25 deaths linked to the floods, including 21 adult males and four children. Wamalwa said declaring floods and drought a national disaster would enable coordinated intervention by national and county governments, as well as humanitarian partners.
The country is currently entering the March–May long rains season, with authorities urging residents in flood-prone areas to move to safer locations.