Nairobi
At least 10 people have died in Kenya after heavy rains triggered widespread flooding and landslides across several regions, according to police reports. Authorities have also warned that rising river levels and overflowing dams could pose serious danger to communities living downstream.
Most of the deaths, seven in total, were reported in eastern Kenya. Officials said the extreme rainfall has caused significant damage to infrastructure, including the collapse of two bridges in Kwale county on the coast and Kitui county in eastern Kenya. Landslides were also reported in parts of Elgeyo Marakwet in the Rift Valley region.
The heavy rains, which fall during Kenya’s normal March to May wet season, have become more intense this year. Authorities said the saturated soil has increased the risk of flooding and landslides, making several areas highly vulnerable.
Transport has been severely affected after a landslide blocked the Iten–Kabarnet road near Kolol. The Kenya National Highways Authority said repair work is underway and traffic has been diverted to alternative routes.
The Kenya Red Cross reported possible missing persons and flooded homes in Nairobi’s Mukuru Kwa Njenga area and said it is providing emergency relief assistance.
Separately, the Interior Ministry issued a high alert for the lower Tana River basin, warning that heavy upstream rainfall has increased water levels in the Seven Forks dam system. Officials cautioned that downstream areas, including the Tana River Delta, home to more than 100,000 people, could face further flooding risks in the coming days as water levels continue to rise.
