The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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As torrential rains continue to drench various parts of the country, Kenyans are being urged to brace for widespread flooding and waterlogged roads, particularly in urban areas like Nairobi, where some streets and neighborhoods are already becoming impassable.
The floods are posing increasing threats to both lives and property. While vehicle owners are dealing with costly damage from submerged roads, auto repair shops are seeing a surge in business. At the same time, pedestrians and commuters are facing major disruptions to their daily routines.
Mark Kirui, 43, was among the many affected this week. His vehicle stalled in Embakasi on Monday after it was overwhelmed by stagnant floodwaters as he tried to navigate through them.
Elsewhere, over 130 passengers found themselves stranded at Nairobi’s Central Railway Station on Monday evening after flooding interrupted train services to the Syokimau SGR station. Although buses were arranged as an alternative mode of transport, many commuters were still waiting for them well past 9:15 p.m., with minimal updates on when the buses would arrive.
The situation is even more precarious for those living in informal settlements. Residents in slum areas are at greater risk of flash floods destroying homes, sweeping away possessions, and in some tragic cases, taking lives. During last year’s prolonged rains, communities near the Nairobi River suffered devastating losses when the river, choked with sewage and debris, overflowed and flooded their makeshift homes.
Despite the danger, some residents remain in these vulnerable areas out of necessity. In Mathare, a 53-year-old woman, identified only as WKW, shared her dilemma. Living in a modest two-room structure, she explained that while she is aware of the life-threatening risks, relocating isn’t an option.
“I know heavy rains can be deadly. But where do you expect me to go? This is where I have lived for 15 years. This is where my children call home. I’d rather die here,” she said.
Meanwhile, meteorologists warn that the situation may worsen. The IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Center (ICPAC) has forecast that rainfall levels across Kenya and the broader Horn of Africa may match or exceed those seen in 2024.
According to ICPAC, moderate to heavy rainfall ranging from 50 to 200 millimeters is expected in many parts of the region, including coastal, northeastern, and western Kenya, as well as areas of Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, Ethiopia, and South Sudan.
The agency has cautioned that these rains could trigger localized flooding, particularly in low-lying areas, and urged communities to stay alert.
