Heavy rain has flooded parts of Kenya, forcing hundreds of households from their homes and putting the country's flood preparedness under scrutiny as the October–December rainy season continues.
In Tana River County, the Kenya Red Cross Society says the Tulu and Minjila dams overflowed in Tana Delta, displacing 302 households and affecting another 3,156. Of the displaced households, 175 have received food, blankets and tarpaulins while teams continue to assess needs. Flooding has also spread to Hindi and Witu in neighbouring Lamu County.
In Nairobi, overnight and morning rain on Saturday, October 31, flooded roads and neighbourhoods. Parts of Parklands First Avenue near Oshwal School were among the affected areas, and motorists struggled through waterlogged roads.
The flooding has raised questions about the county's preparations. Governor Johnson Sakaja had earlier said Nairobi identified 227 flood-prone hotspots across its 17 sub-counties, and that the county was clearing drains, desilting rivers and removing blockages from waterways.
In Kajiado South, the Red Cross says search operations are under way at Baraka, Olkaria Village, for a person reportedly swept away while crossing an overflowing river on the night of October 30. The organisation has urged residents not to cross flooded rivers and roads.
The Kenya Meteorological Department had forecast rain across 44 counties on Saturday, including Nairobi, Kisii, Migori, Homa Bay, Nyamira and Kisumu, with afternoon thunderstorms in 32 counties.
Experts say the damage from heavy rain can be worse where forests have been cleared, wetlands destroyed or buildings put up along waterways. In cities, plastic waste and other rubbish block drains, and soil erosion carries silt into rivers and drainage systems. They say long-term flood prevention depends on protecting forests, restoring wetlands and keeping natural water channels open.
Authorities are also being urged to improve early warning systems and drainage, and to make sure emergency teams are ready as the rains continue.
