By Brian Kiprono - Reporter
Kenya, 3 May 2026 - At least 18 people have died and thousands of families displaced as heavy rains continue to pound several parts of the country, triggering deadly floods and mudslides.
The National Police Service (NPS) said the ongoing rains have caused widespread destruction in counties including Tharaka Nithi, Elgeyo-Marakwet, Kiambu, Tana River, Makueni and Nairobi, with emergency teams now racing to rescue stranded residents and move families from danger zones.
“As the country continues to experience sustained and heavy rainfall, the National Police Service continues to call for heightened caution amid increasing disaster risks in several regions,” NPS said in a statement.
According to the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, most of the deaths were caused by drowning as rivers burst their banks and flash floods swept through homes and roads.
The Eastern region recorded the highest number of deaths at nine, followed by Central with three fatalities. Nairobi, Rift Valley and Coast regions each recorded two deaths.
In several areas, families have been forced to flee their homes overnight after mudslides buried farms, damaged houses and cut off roads.
Police said mudslides have already been reported in Tharaka Nithi, Elgeyo-Marakwet and Kiambu counties.
“Multi-agency teams are actively engaged in search and rescue operations, the evacuation of at-risk residents, the provision of emergency relief supplies, and the assessment of high-risk zones to prevent further loss of life,” NPS said.
Authorities warned that the situation could worsen as rainfall continues across many parts of the country.
In Tana River County, the government has identified 59 flood-prone areas as water levels continue rising along the Seven Forks Dam system.
Tana Delta Sub-county has been listed as the most vulnerable, with 32 high-risk zones, including Kipini, Ozi Mtangani, Bilisa and Salama.
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The government says the mapping exercise is part of efforts to improve preparedness and prevent more deaths.
In Nairobi, flooding has affected around 6,600 people, leaving roads impassable and damaging homes, schools and public infrastructure in several estates.
Central Kenya has also suffered heavy destruction, with Kirinyaga and Kiambu counties reporting damaged bridges and roads. In Mwea West, about 3,000 residents have reportedly been displaced.
Makueni County recorded some of the worst impacts in Eastern Kenya, where flash floods and mudslides destroyed homes and disrupted electricity supply.
The Interior Ministry said emergency response teams remain on high alert as the government coordinates rescue and relief efforts across affected regions.
Residents living in low-lying and flood-prone areas have been urged to move to safer ground and follow instructions from security and disaster response agencies.
Police also encouraged members of the public to report emergencies through the 999 and 112 hotlines or through the #FichuaKwaDCI platform.
18 Lives Lost, Families Displaced as Heavy Rains Wreak Havoc Across the Country
Kenya Red Cross staff taken through rigorous training to save lives in the wake of deadly floods and mudlides