Flooding Hits Nairobi as Heavy Rains Raise El Niño Preparedness Concerns
Heavy rainfall has caused flooding in several parts of Nairobi, disrupting traffic and leaving vehicles stranded as concerns grow over the city’s preparedness for the anticipated El Niño rains.
First Avenue in Parklands was among the affected areas, with flooding reported near Oshwal School following rainfall on Saturday, October 31. Motorists struggled to navigate sections of the road covered by accumulated water.
The Parklands Residents Association raised concerns about the situation, questioning how the city would cope with heavier and prolonged rainfall expected during the El Niño season.
Other parts of Nairobi also experienced disruptions. In Githurai, flooding affected movement around the roundabout, making it difficult for motorists and motorcyclists to pass through. On Waiyaki Way in Westlands, a City Shuttle bus reportedly got stuck in a ditch following the rainfall.
The incidents have renewed concerns about Nairobi’s drainage infrastructure and its ability to handle increased rainfall.
Kenya Meteorological Department Forecasts More Rain
The Kenya Meteorological Department had earlier forecast rainfall across 44 counties on Saturday, including Nairobi, where showers and thunderstorms were expected in some areas.
In its forecast issued on Friday, October 30, the department predicted sunny intervals in the morning, followed by possible afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Temperatures in Nairobi were expected to range between 17°C and 28°C.
Its five-day forecast covering October 31 to November 4 also indicated moderate afternoon showers on Saturday, followed by light showers on Sunday.
Flooding Displaces Households in Tana River
The effects of the heavy rainfall have also been reported in Kenya’s Coast region.
The Kenya Red Cross reported that 302 households had been displaced in Tana River County after the Tulu and Minjila dams in Tana Delta overflowed, sending water into nearby homes and communities.
Another 3,156 households were affected, while rising water levels were reported in parts of neighbouring Lamu County, particularly Hindi and Witu.
The humanitarian organisation said 175 displaced households had received emergency assistance, including food, tarpaulins and blankets.
In a separate incident in Kajiado South, one person was reportedly swept away while crossing an overflowing river in Baraka, Olkaria Village, on Friday night. Search operations were ongoing as of Saturday.
Nairobi County Outlines Flood Prevention Measures
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja had previously announced a KSh10 billion flood mitigation programme to improve the city’s preparedness for the anticipated rains.
Presenting the county’s preparedness report to the National Development Implementation Committee, Sakaja said 80 per cent of clearance and rehabilitation works along the Nairobi, Mathare and Ngong rivers had been completed.
He also disclosed that infrastructure projects worth KSh5 billion were ongoing in partnership with the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) and the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA).
The projects include road rehabilitation, drainage improvements, tarmacking and pedestrian walkway construction.
Sakaja also identified plastic waste as one of the factors contributing to blocked drainage systems and called on the National Environment Management Authority to strengthen enforcement against plastic pollution.
In September, the county announced a separate KSh2.4 billion flood mitigation programme, with KSh2 billion allocated to drainage and flood prevention projects targeting 19 roads in flood-prone areas.
The county had also identified 13 major flood hotspots for priority intervention.
El Niño Forecast Remains in Place
The flooding comes as Kenya prepares for the October to December 2026 short rains season, which meteorologists expect to bring above-average rainfall across much of the country.
The IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC) reported on August 18 that El Niño had developed in the Pacific Ocean and was expected to strengthen during the remainder of 2026.
The agency projected a 90 per cent probability of enhanced rainfall over parts of the Horn of Africa, including northeastern Kenya.
During a scientific briefing on October 16, Kenya Meteorological Department officials maintained that the seasonal forecast remained unchanged despite delayed rainfall in some parts of the country.
The department said it would continue monitoring rainfall patterns as the short rains season progresses.
