Severe flooding in Nairobi has once again raised urgent questions about the city’s long-standing drainage problems after dozens of people lost their lives following heavy rainfall earlier this month. According to the Kenya Meteorological Department, the country had already received warnings about saturated soils and the likelihood of floods as persistent rains continued to fall across the capital.
By Sunday evening, authorities confirmed that at least 43 people had died while hundreds of homes were damaged as rivers overflowed and water rushed through residential neighbourhoods. Officials reported that 23 bodies were recovered from rivers in the Starehe and Kamukunji sub-counties, while other victims drowned in informal settlements including Kibra. In total, about 3,500 households were affected, with more than 700 houses destroyed and over 800 families displaced by the disaster.
Emergency teams from the Kenya Red Cross responded quickly, deploying rescue boats and evacuation crews to assist residents trapped by rising water levels. The organisation has continued to support affected families with emergency relief and rescue operations.
Urban planners say the flooding problem has historical roots dating back to the early 20th century when Nairobi was established as a colonial administrative centre. Historical records show that the area was originally described as a water-logged basin, meaning the natural terrain struggles to drain large volumes of rainwater effectively.
To address these long-standing challenges, the national government and Nairobi County have launched the Nairobi Rivers Regeneration Programme. In February 2026, President William Ruto presided over the signing of an agreement worth about KSh 80 billion aimed at transforming river management and drainage infrastructure in the capital.
The plan includes the construction of two 27-kilometre trunk sewer lines along the Nairobi River corridor, expanded wastewater treatment facilities, improved drainage systems and the restoration of riparian zones. Authorities also plan to build 44 pedestrian bridges and invest in waste removal programmes while engaging thousands of young people in environmental clean-up activities.
Experts say the programme offers hope for a safer and more resilient city, but success will depend on consistent funding, cooperation between national and county governments, and responsible environmental practices by residents and businesses.
