The number of people who died following heavy floods that hit parts of Kenya on Friday night has risen to 62, according to the latest update from the Ministry of Interior.
The ministry said the victims include 46 men, 8 women, and 8 children. Nairobi recorded the highest number of deaths at 33. The Eastern region followed with 17 deaths, while the Rift Valley reported 7. Nyanza and the Coast regions each recorded two deaths, and Central region reported one fatality.
Government figures released earlier showed that the floods have affected more than 10,000 households across the country. At least 4,845 people were displaced and moved to safer areas after their homes were damaged or submerged by water.
In Nairobi, the county government announced a one-month waiver on levies and approvals required for property repair works. The decision was made after many homes and businesses suffered damage due to the flooding.
In a public notice issued on March 11, Acting County Secretary Godfrey Akumali said the waiver was meant to help residents and business owners begin repairs quickly without the usual approval requirements. He explained that the exemption applies to fees and permissions that are normally needed before repair and maintenance work can begin.
Several parts of the capital experienced severe flooding after drainage systems were overwhelmed by the heavy rains. Areas such as South C, South B, and Nairobi West were among the most affected, with roads submerged and transport disrupted.
Authorities say response efforts are ongoing. A multi-agency team that includes the National Police Service and the Kenya Red Cross Society has been coordinating rescue and support operations in affected areas.
During a recent interview on Citizen TV, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja said the city’s drainage challenges cannot be solved through quick fixes. He noted that improving Nairobi to international standards would require proper planning and adequate financing.
