Kenya: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing across much of the country as of April 24

Disruptions due to flooding are ongoing across many parts of Kenya as of April 24. Heavy rainfall has affected many parts of the country since March, and intense downpours in recent days have led to severe flooding in and around Nairobi. As of April 24, authorities have reported at least 38-flood-related fatalities, and more than 110,000 people have been displaced across Kenya. Several neighborhoods in Nairobi and surrounding areas have been inundated by floodwaters, leaving people stranded and blocking many roads across Nairobi County, including several major highways. Residents in parts of Kasarani, Mathare, Kibra, Roysambu, Kamukunji, and Westlands sub-counties have been told to leave their homes due to the threat of flooding. Kenya Railways has suspended all commuter train services from Nairobi Central Station due to the flooding. Disruptions are ongoing across many other parts of the country, with at least 21 out of Kenya's 47 counties affected by flooding.

Disruptions in flood-affected areas will likely continue for some time as response and recovery operations continue. Further rainfall is forecast to continue over much of the country through at least May 1. Further showers are likely throughout the remainder of the rainy season through early June. Heavy downpours will likely trigger additional flooding and hamper ongoing relief efforts.

Further sustained heavy rainfall could trigger additional flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rainfall has saturated the soil.

Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.

Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.

Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.