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Residents of Sabaki near Mlolongo and Syokimau in Machakos County were left in shock on Thursday night after flash floods swept through residential and commercial areas, damaging vehicles and buildings.
The flooding, which occurred around 9:14 pm behind Signature Mall, left several cars submerged while others were damaged by falling debris from nearby structures.
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Authorities said the situation escalated quickly after heavy rainfall overwhelmed drainage systems, causing a seasonal river in the area to overflow.
Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti confirmed that emergency teams responded promptly after receiving alerts.
“Our Department of Emergency and Disaster Management, together with the Fire and Rescue team, responded within five minutes of the alert and successfully evacuated all affected residents and guests to safety,” she said.
She added that no deaths or serious injuries were reported and praised responders for their swift and coordinated action.
“I commend our emergency response teams for their professionalism, bravery and quick action in securing the area and supporting those affected,” she said.
The incident has raised fresh concerns about settlements in flood-prone zones in rapidly growing areas such as Mlolongo and Syokimau, where development has increasingly encroached on natural waterways.
Meanwhile, the Kenya Meteorological Department has warned that rainfall will continue in several parts of the country, including the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, the South Rift Valley, the Coast, parts of the Southeastern Lowlands, and Northeastern Kenya.
The forecast raises fears that already saturated soils could worsen the risk of flash floods in vulnerable regions.
Authorities have urged residents living near rivers and other flood-prone areas to stay alert and avoid crossing swollen waterways as the rainy season continues.
