Kenya floods and landslides kill at least 10, trigger widespread damage

At least 10 people have died in Kenya after heavy rains triggered floods and landslides in several regions, damaging roads and bridges and blocking key routes. Authorities have also warned of rising water levels in the Tana River system, raising fears of further flooding in downstream communities.

At least 10 people have been confirmed dead in Kenya after days of heavy rainfall triggered widespread flooding and landslides across several regions of the country, according to police authorities. The deaths occurred as intense downpours continued during the ongoing March to May rainy season, which is typically Kenya’s main wet period, but has recently been marked by more extreme and unpredictable weather conditions.
Seven of the fatalities were reported in eastern Kenya, where several communities were hit hardest by flash floods and collapsing terrain. In addition to the loss of life, infrastructure damage has been recorded in multiple counties. In Kwale county along the coast, and Kitui county in the eastern region, bridges were washed away or severely damaged, cutting off transport routes and limiting access to affected communities.
In the Rift Valley region, particularly Elgeyo Marakwet county, landslides have caused significant disruption, blocking roads and isolating some settlements. One major route, the Iten–Kabarnet road near Kolol, was rendered impassable after a landslide buried sections of the roadway. The Kenya National Highways Authority confirmed that engineers have been deployed to clear debris and restore access, while traffic has been diverted to alternative routes to ensure safety.
Emergency response agencies are also dealing with urban flooding impacts. The Kenya Red Cross reported unconfirmed cases of missing persons and several households trapped by floodwaters in Mukuru Kwa Njenga, a densely populated informal settlement in Nairobi. Rescue teams and relief workers have been dispatched to provide assistance, including evacuation support, food supplies, and emergency shelter for displaced families.
In addition to immediate humanitarian concerns, authorities have issued warnings about potential downstream flooding risks linked to rising water levels in major river systems. The interior ministry placed the lower Tana River basin on high alert after heavy rainfall upstream increased inflows into the Seven Forks hydropower dam system. Officials warned that continued water release or overflow could lead to flooding in downstream communities.
The Tana River Delta, which is home to more than 100,000 residents, has been identified as one of the most vulnerable areas. Authorities have urged residents in low-lying and flood-prone regions to remain alert and follow evacuation instructions where necessary.
Overall, officials say the combination of saturated soil, persistent heavy rains, and rising river levels has significantly increased the risk of further flooding and landslides. Emergency teams continue to monitor affected areas while relief operations expand across multiple counties.