The death toll of the ongoing floods as a result of torrential rainfall in parts of the country had risen to 49 by Wednesday, April 24, evening with more than 60,000 households affected.
Nairobi has recorded the highest number of casualties; with the raging waters claiming the lives of 10 people in Mathare and more than five people remaining unaccounted for.
Here is a liveblog of latest updates on the floods experienced in different parts.
Thursday, April 25
3:50pm: Two Maasai Mara University students have drowned after slipping and falling in Enkare River in Narok. The search for the bodies is underway.
1:40pm: President William Ruto convenings an emergency meeting with the Multi Agency Response Team on Floods at State House.
1:30pm: Speaking during a media briefing on the Emergency multi-agency response on floods at State House, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua asked Kenyans to be careful while moving around even while the government was taking measures to help save lives.
“Kenyans are requested to be careful and not to dare nature. The government will do whatever it takes and will use all kinds of resources from money and manpower to ensure that there are no loss of lives,” said Gachagua.
11:48 am: According to the Kenya Meteorological Department, Kenyans living within the Nairobi metropolis should anticipate heavy, possibly very heavy rainfall across multiple areas between Thursday, April 25 and 9:00 am on Friday, April 26.
Among the listed areas that will receive very heavy rainfall of between 80-100 mm are Westlands, Roysambu, Embakasi South, Kibra, Lang’ata, Dagoretti North, Starehe, Mathare and Makadara.
In the neighboring Kiambu County, Juja, Ruiru , Kiambu, Kabete, Limuru, Githurai, Lari and are expected to receive very heavy rainfall as well.
Other areas that will receive moderately heavy rainfall include Kamukunji, Embakasi west, Embakasi Central, Embakasi North and Ruaraka.
“Prepare for HEAVY to VERY HEAVY rainfall in Nairobi based on Thursday’s forecast. Stay weather-aware!” indicated the weatherman.
11:00 am: The death toll from the floods in Mathare River has risen to 13 after three more bodies were recovered in the morning.
Among them were two men and a teenage girl. Fred Abuga, the police boss in Starehe, said that a collaborative search effort involving the Nairobi County Government and the Kenya Red Cross is currently underway.
8:46 am: Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure kindiki in response to a directive issued by President William Ruto has deployed the National Police Service (NPS) to coordinate search and rescue operations by land and air in the affected areas.
Also, Kindiki stated that the efforts will be supplemented by the Kenya Red Cross while the Kenya Coast Guard Service (KCGS) was directed to step up its response operations.
“The Meteorological Department and Road Agencies are providing regular public advisories on areas likely to be affected by torrential rain. Motorists and pedestrians are urged to cease and desist from risky behavior in flooded or overly wet areas,” he stated.
Earlier: On the other hand, the Kenya National Highway Authority (KeNHA) issued three safety measures to motorists including driving at reduced speeds to ensure control over their vehicles.
Also, motorists were advised to “maintain a safe distance from other vehicles to allow for sudden stops and avoid unnecessary lane changes and overtaking.”
At the same time, Azimio Leader Raila Odinga asked President William Ruto to declare floods a National disaster, donating Ksh1 million to affected families.
“We appeal to the government to launch a thorough search and rescue efforts in all affected areas and provide food, blankets and medication to all affected residents.
“It is important to point out that all focus show that the rains will be pouring some more in the coming days meaning that the situation will be becoming worse. Preparedness is key,” Raila stated.
Wednesday, April 24
3:40 pm: Kenya Red Cross rescues 96 people stranded at Graceland in Athi River.
The humanitarian organization also continued rescue operation in Githurai 45. “This was made possible through the collaborative efforts of a multi-agency rescue team and community members.”
2:40 pm: Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja issued a press statement over the ongoing floods in Nairobi, naming areas that are floods hot spots in Nairobi Estates
“We have halted all processes of development approval for now until we can ascertain that all of the ones that had being issued are where they are because we will not allow any development upstream to affect lives downstream,” he said.
2:30 pm: In Mradi area, Mathare 4A, 18 individuals including 11 adults and 7 children, were successfully rescued by the Kenya Red Cross Action Team. They were stranded as a result of floodwaters triggered by heavy rains.
1:55 pm: Four bodies of suspected flood victims have been retrieved from Mathare River. Starehe Sub- County Police Commander Fred Abuga says the four are two men and two women.
12:55 pm: Normal traffic flow restored at Kitengela bridge section of the Athi River – Namanga Road after water that had overtopped Kitengela Bridge receded.
12:42 pm: KeNHA resolved to open a guard rail with a backhoe as a temporary measure to ease flooding water and restore traffic to normalcy at Juja underpass.
“While this is a temporary measure, the Authority continues to urge motorists to avoid the area if possible until the water recedes,” KeNHA stated.
Also Read:Sakaja Lists Floods Hot Spots in Nairobi Estates, Asks Residents to Leave
12:20 pm: Police officers lodge teargas as protests erupt along Thika Road near Juja. Angry motorists blocked all lanes causing a traffic snarl-up.
11: 25 am: A lorry and a Nissan operating as a matatu in Mwiki have been swept away while trying to pass through paddled water.
Residents stood at a safe distance watching as the lorry attempted to cross the road followed closely behind by the matatu.
The lorry overturned shortly before the Nissan also fell on its side in the water. It is unclear if there were victims in both vehicles.
10:30 am: The Kenya National Highway Authority (KeNHA) has warned motorists of traffic disruptions in various parts of the country following heavy downpour on Tuesday, April 23, night.
In a statement, the authority indicated that sections of the Thika Superhighway including the Juja underpass were flooded thereby causing traffic gridlocks.
According to KeNHA, the traffic snarl up at the area began at Juja mall, both on the highway and service lane. For motorist plying the Githurai Car Wash service lane to Thika, KeNHA indicated that the section was now passable.
“Motorists are advised to use service lane at Exit 14 & 15 until the water subsides,” indicated the authority.
“Also, Kahawa Sukari Engen towards KU main highway, Thika bound. Section is now passable. Motorists are advised to be cautious in these and other sections that may experience occasional flooding,” added KeNHA.
Also Read: Heavy Traffic as Trees Fall in Nairobi CBD, Floods Deaths Shoot to 38
Elsewhere, the Athi River flooded overnight rendering the bridge linking Kitengela to Mombasa Road along Namanga Road impassible.
In an advisory to motorists, KeNHA advised motorists to refrain from attempting to cross the bridge until the water levels recede to safe levels.
“The Authority advises motorists to take an alternate route by diverting through the East African Portland Cement junction via Athi River to Devki,” advised KeNHA.
10:10 am: The Kenya Railways Corporation also temporarily suspended its commuter train services across Nairobi explaining that heavy rains that had affected rail lines.
“We are compelled to take these precautionary measures because the safety of our customers is always of paramount importance to us.
“We will advise you once normal services resume. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused,” a statement from Kenya Railways read in part.
Also Read: 35 Dead, Thousands Homeless as Heavy Rainfall Persists
9:50 am: The Kenya Red Cross announced that there were flash floods in different areas across the country including Mukuru, Mathare, Huruma, Ruaraka, Baba Dogo, Bosnia, Umoja 3, Choka, Njiru, Ruai, Utawala.
Other areas included Githurai, Kahawa, Eastern Bypass, Kinoo, Kijabe, Limuru, Ruiru, Graceland, Joska, Kaswito, Kicheko, Mangili, Kenyatta Road, Juja, Kitengela, and Magadi
“The Athi River has also burst its banks, accelerating the impacts. Roads and bridges are affected, leading to heavy traffic on major roads. Our response teams are on the ground in most of these areas, evacuating families to safety and providing other life-saving interventions,” stated the Kenya Red Cross.
