Heavy rainfall has triggered widespread flooding across several parts of Nairobi, disrupting transport, inundating homes and prompting emergency rescue operations as rivers burst their banks after hours of intense downpours.
Authorities and emergency responders reported flooding in multiple neighborhoods including Parklands, the Nairobi Central Business District, Ngando along Ngong Road, Lower Kabete, Kibera, Kilimani, South B, Kawangware, Lang’ata, Lavington, Eastleigh, and Riruta.
Several major roads were rendered nearly impassable as floodwaters quickly accumulated, causing severe traffic disruptions.
Motorists experienced delays along the Nairobi Expressway near the Museum Hill exit, as well as along Limuru Road, Bunyala Road, Lusaka Road, and parts of the Nairobi Central Business District.
Nairobi City, Sunday, 15th March 2026, 12:10 a.m pic.twitter.com/RGox6LXuku
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Emergency officials confirmed that both the Nairobi River and the Ngong River overflowed following the heavy rainfall, leading to riverine flooding that affected nearby homes, businesses and roads.
Rescue operations were quickly launched by the Kenya Red Cross Society, whose Aqua Rescue teams were deployed to assist residents trapped by rising waters.
According to responders on the ground, 11 people were rescued from a matatu that had become marooned along Bunyala Road, while two children were rescued from a flooded house in Kilimani.
Flooding during heavy rainfall has become an increasingly common challenge in Nairobi, particularly in areas located near rivers or low-lying drainage zones.
Past incidents have seen similar flooding along Ngong Road, Bunyala Road, and sections of the central business district, where drainage systems often struggle to cope with intense storms.
Urban planners and environmental experts have previously pointed to blocked drainage channels, rapid urban expansion, and encroachment on riparian land as factors that worsen flooding during heavy rains.
Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant, avoid flooded roads and bridges, and report emergencies to rescue teams as rainfall continues in parts of the city.
Emergency responders remain on standby as they monitor water levels along major rivers and flood-prone neighbourhoods.
