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At least 81 people have died and tens of thousands displaced as severe floods continue to ravage Kenya, affecting 21 counties, according to the Ministry of Interior and National Administration.
Data released on March 22 shows that seven people remain missing, while 68,975 homes have been impacted by the ongoing heavy rains sweeping across the country.
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The hardest-hit counties include Nairobi, Kisumu, Narok, Kiambu, Migori, Siaya, Makueni, Busia, Wajir, Kisii, Homa Bay, Taita Taveta, Baringo, Kajiado, Kitui, Kwale, Machakos, Kericho, Embu, Tharaka Nithi, and West Pokot.
The floods have caused widespread disruption to essential services, with roads and bridges rendered impassable, electricity outages reported in several areas, and water supply systems damaged. Schools have also been affected, worsening the humanitarian crisis.
Authorities reported significant damage to infrastructure, including submerged residential areas, destroyed farms, and flooded markets and businesses, raising concerns over food security and livelihoods.
Regional data indicates that Nairobi has recorded the highest fatalities at 37, followed by the Eastern region with 21 deaths, the Rift Valley with eight, Nyanza with seven, and the Coast with five. The Central region has three deaths, while the Western region has not reported any fatalities so far.
The government, together with agencies like the Kenya Red Cross Society and the National Disaster Operations Centre, is coordinating rescue operations, distributing humanitarian aid, and working on infrastructure restoration.
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The Kenya Meteorological Department has warned of continued heavy rains, flash floods, and storm risks during the early phase of the long rains season. In a March 18 advisory, the agency forecasted rainfall exceeding 20mm within 24 hours from March 19 to 24, 2026, peaking between March 20 and 23 before easing slightly on March 24.
The most affected regions are expected to include the Lake Victoria Basin, the Highlands east and west of the Rift Valley, the Rift Valley itself, and Nairobi. Counties listed include Turkana, Samburu, Migori, Nyamira, Bungoma, Busia, Kakamega, Vihiga, West Pokot, Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, Trans Nzoia, Nandi, Uasin Gishu, Nakuru, Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Kisii, Kericho, and Bomet.
Other counties likely to experience heavy rainfall are Kiambu, Embu, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Laikipia, Tharaka-Nithi, Meru, Narok, Kajiado, Makueni, Machakos, Taita-Taveta, Kitui, Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi, and Garissa. Parts of Marsabit, Isiolo, Wajir, Mandera, and Tana River are also expected to be affected.
The department warned that these weather conditions could cause flooding and reduced visibility. Residents in the listed areas have been urged to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions against floods and flash floods.
