Heavy Rains Ravage Kenya: One Dead in Kilifi, Floods Disrupt Roads and Displace Thousands

Heavy rains continue to batter Kenya, causing widespread disruption and claiming lives. In Kaloleni Subcounty, Kilifi County, one person was reportedly killed by lightning. 

Kilifi County Commissioner David Wanyonyi confirmed that the body was recovered and taken to Mariakani Hospital mortuary, as authorities step up efforts to alert communities about the dangers of extreme weather.

Wanyonyi noted that the rains in the area have been accompanied by whirlwinds, intensifying the hazards faced by residents.

According to the Kenya Meteorological Department, moderate to heavy rainfall is expected over the Lake Victoria Basin, southeastern regions, the Coast, central Kenya, and the highlands east of the Rift Valley, including Nairobi. 

The rains are forecast to bring flooding, flash floods, slippery roads, poor visibility, and rising river levels.

The Meteorological Department issued a stern advisory: “Avoid flooded roads. Do not walk or drive through moving water. Stay alert, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas.”

The department had earlier warned that rainfall exceeding 20mm in 24 hours would affect several parts of the country through March 24, with peak intensity expected between March 20 and 23.

Road infrastructure has already been hit. 

Flooding and heavy silt deposits were reported along the Mai Mahiu–Suswa–Narok Road at Kedong Ranch near Suswa, disrupting traffic. 

Narok County Commissioner Kipkech Lotiata said the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) is clearing the silt and advised motorists to use alternative routes such as Ngong–Suswa, Nairobi–Naivasha–Nakuru–Mau Narok–Narok, and Nairobi–Naivasha–Longonot–Suswa.

The heavy rains have caused devastating impacts nationwide, particularly in Nairobi, where severe flooding has damaged infrastructure and led to fatalities. 

As of March 20, the flood death toll had risen to 73, with seven people still missing. Over 2,000 families have been displaced, and thousands of residents remain stranded.

Experts attribute the severity of the floods to poor drainage systems in urban areas and illegal construction near waterways, particularly in Nairobi, which has worsened the impact of the heavy rains.