At Least 18 Dead in Kenya Floods and Landslides as Heavy Rains Intensify

Context Kenya is in its seasonal March‑to‑May rainy period, which usually peaks in early May. This year, the Kenya Meteorological Department recorded 420 mm of rain nationwide from March to May, 24 % above the 1991‑2020 average, based on data from over 150 automated rain‑gauges and satellite‑derived CHIRPS estimates. The CHIRPS dataset blends satellite imagery with ground station readings to produce daily precipitation maps at a 5‑kilometre resolution.

Key Facts Police reported that landslides struck Tharaka Nithi, Elgeyo‑Marakwet, and Kiambu counties, impacting multiple families, displacing households, and causing significant damage to property and infrastructure. At least 18 lives have been lost, though the exact number of displaced people remains unclear. In Nairobi’s Makongeni and Ruai neighbourhoods, traders protested over flooded roads that are hurting their businesses.

What It Means Fruzsina Straus, head of Disaster Risk Reduction for the United Nations Environment Programme, warned that water extremes—intense rains followed by drought—are worsening impacts in African cities and urged rapid adaptation to this new water volatility. The current floods follow a deadly March event that killed 37 people, indicating a rising trend in flood‑related fatalities.

Watch for updated rainfall forecasts from the Kenya Meteorological Department and any government‑led evacuation or relief efforts in the coming days.