Ruto Assures Rescue, Relief as Floods Wreak Havoc in Nairobi & Environs

President William Ruto has directed a nationwide emergency response in the wake of a second wave of flash floods which hit several regions, including the capital, Nairobi. 

In a statement on Sunday, March 15, the Head of State said that the multi-agency response team, which includes emergency services, security agencies, humanitarian teams, and technical departments, would continue coordinating rescue and evacuation to those affected.

Ruto further said that the government would continue working hand-in-hand with the county government to ensure that emergency food supplies and medical assistance are being delivered to all those affected.

“We continue to closely monitor the situation, and I urge all Kenyans to strictly follow the guidance issued by relevant authorities, including the Kenya Meteorological Department and the police,” Ruto stated.

“The government will continue to take every necessary step to safeguard lives, support affected communities, and ensure that no Kenyan faces this challenge alone,” he added.

Ruto has assured that relevant departments will continue issuing advisories to ensure preparedness and necessary safety measures.

“The ongoing heavy rains affecting several parts of our country continue to put lives and livelihoods at risk. My thoughts are with the families and communities that have already been affected during this difficult period,” the president said.

A second wave of flash floods triggered by heavy rainfall disrupted movement across several parts of Nairobi on Saturday, March 14, overwhelming drainage systems in various neighbourhoods across the city and leaving multiple roads impassible.

Some areas affected by the flash floods, according to the Kenya Red Cross, include Parklands, the Central Business District (CBD), and Ngong Road near the Ngando area.

Other areas that were affected by the floods include  Lower Kabete, Kibera, Kilimani, South B, Kawangware, and Lang’ata.

Some roads that were rendered impassible due to the floods include  Nairobi Expressway at the Museum Hill exit, Limuru Road, Bunyala Road, and Lusaka Road, as well as several streets within the CBD and Eastleigh.

Red Cross noted that the flooding was mainly catalysed by the fact that the Nairobi River and Ngong River both overflowed, leading to flooding incidents in areas typically not known to have such challenges.

Agencies such as the Nairobi Water have also said that ongoing heavy rains have hindered repair works on the damaged pipelines along Outering Road, particularly in the river section, due to safety concerns.

The repairs are expected to resume and be completed later today, provided the weather is favourable.