Public Service Minister Geoffrey Ruku said the updated death toll follows Friday evening’s flash floods that swept through several counties, causing widespread destruction. The fatalities rose from the 25 deaths reported shortly after the disaster.
Multi-agency teams, including the National Police Service, the Kenya Defence Forces and the Kenya Red Cross Society, have been deployed to assist with search and rescue operations and distribute relief supplies to affected families.
Nairobi hardest hit
The capital, Nairobi, accounts for the majority of the deaths, with 26 of the 42 fatalities recorded there.
Authorities said most of the victims were residents of informal settlements located near overflowing rivers in areas such as Mathare, Mukuru and Kibra. Among those who died were 21 adult men, three adult women and two children.
The remaining 16 deaths were reported in other parts of the country, including the Eastern region (10), Rift Valley (4), Coast (1) and Homa Bay County (1).
Several people are still missing, with officials saying the figures may change as rescue teams continue searching in areas that remain cut off by floodwaters.
Widespread damage
Authorities reported that floodwaters swept away 172 vehicles in Nairobi alone, though all have since been recovered. Damage to homes, private property and road infrastructure remains extensive.
Across the country, more than 50,000 people have been forced to leave their homes, with many now sheltering in schools, churches and temporary relief centres.
The floods have also devastated livestock, killing at least 607 animals, including pigs and poultry in parts of Nairobi and more than 200 animals in Migori.
Ruku said the government will cover hospital bills and burial costs for victims of the disaster as part of emergency support to affected families.
Relief teams are currently distributing food, blankets and mattresses to displaced residents in hard-hit neighbourhoods such as Mathare and Ruaraka.
The Kenya Meteorological Department has maintained a heavy rainfall advisory until Monday, March 9, warning that saturated soils could still trigger flash floods and landslides even if rainfall intensity decreases.
Although the rains eased slightly on Sunday, forecasters warned that moderate to heavy showers and isolated thunderstorms could continue in parts of Nairobi and neighbouring counties.
Residents living near rivers, including the Nairobi River, have been urged to move to higher ground, while motorists have been advised to avoid submerged roads and bridges.
Authorities also warned of possible water contamination in densely populated settlements and urged residents to seek emergency assistance through local officials or by calling national emergency lines.
Transport disruption and recovery plans
Heavy rainfall has disrupted transport in several areas after damaging roads and bridges. In some cases, motorists have been forced to use alternative routes after major highways became impassable due to flooding and traffic congestion.
Government officials said relief centres have been established in sub-county offices in affected regions, while distribution of building materials to displaced households is expected to begin on Monday as authorities transition from emergency response to early recovery.
Meanwhile, Johnson Sakaja has defended his administration against criticism over the city’s preparedness for flooding.
“I am not resigning, I’m working,” Sakaja said, acknowledging the challenges posed by limited financial resources and long-standing infrastructure gaps in the city.
He said the county government is working to expand drainage systems and address flooding risks, but warned that progress has been slowed by budget constraints and inherited debts from previous administrations.
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