President William Ruto, in a statement on March 15, has directed a nationwide emergency response following heavy rains that have destroyed property and disrupted lives in Nairobi and other regions of Kenya.
In his statement, Ruto confirmed that the ongoing downpour continues to put lives and livelihoods at risk, with families and communities across the country already affected.
“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,” he said
Ruto confirmed the activation of a multi-agency response last week, bringing together emergency services, security agencies, humanitarian teams, and technical departments to coordinate rescue, evacuation, and recovery efforts.
Ruto Activates Nationwide Emergency Response
“I want to assure all Kenyans that the Government remains fully mobilised to respond. Last week, I directed the activation of a multi-agency response bringing together emergency services, security agencies, humanitarian teams and technical departments to coordinate efforts and manage the situation effectively in Nairobi and across the country,” Ruto said.
Relevant agencies are clearing blocked drainage systems, restoring access routes, and providing emergency food and medical assistance to flood-affected populations.
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Additionally, he said the National Government is working closely with county administrations to ensure public safety and urged citizens to follow advisories from the Kenya Meteorological Department and the police.
“Relevant agencies are also actively assisting with rescue and evacuation operations, as well as clearing blocked drainage systems and restoring access routes in affected areas,” he said.
Ruto emphasized that the government will continue to take all necessary steps to safeguard lives, support affected communities, and ensure that no Kenyan faces the flooding crisis alone.
Flood Chaos Across Nairobi, Rescue Teams Save Stranded Residents
Commuters in Nairobi were stranded after heavy overnight rainfall triggered flooding across several estates and major roads in the city.
Also Read: Nairobi Commuters Stranded After Heavy Downpour Floods Nairobi Estates and Highways
According to the Kenya Red Cross reports, the heavy downpour has triggered flooding in several parts of Nairobi.
The affected estates included Parklands, CBD, Ngong Road (Ngando area), Lower Kabete, Kibera, Kilimani, South B, Kawangware, Lang’ata, Lavington, Eastleigh, and Riruta.
According to the Kenya Red Cross, major traffic disruptions are reported along several key roads in Nairobi following heavy rainfall that flooded sections of the city.
Affected routes included the Nairobi Expressway near the Museum Hill exit, Limuru Road, Bunyala Road, Lusaka Road and parts of the central business district.
Reportedly, both the Nairobi and Ngong rivers overflowed, leading to riverine flooding in several parts of Nairobi.
At the time of reporting, Aqua Rescue teams had been deployed, with 11 people rescued from a marooned matatu along Bunyala Road and two children evacuated from a flooded house in Kilimani.
