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News17 March 2026 - 16:33

Rescue efforts continue as flood toll stands at 71

Police say Nairobi remains hardest hit as thousands stay displaced

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by MADRECK AGOLLA
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The floods affected areas in Nairobi on March 2026/HANDOUT

Search and rescue of flood victims is ongoing across the country following deadly floods, the National Police Service has said.

In a press release, the service said it is working with relevant partners to respond to the situation caused by heavy rains that have triggered flash floods in several regions.

The police said the cumulative number of fatalities has risen to 71, with five additional deaths recorded. Nairobi is reported as the hardest-hit area, accounting for 36 deaths.

The Eastern region has recorded 19 fatalities after one more death, while the Coast region’s toll has risen to three. The Nyanza region has four deaths, the Rift Valley eight, and the Central region one.

According to the statement, the floods have also displaced about 2,622 families and caused significant damage to homes, infrastructure and property in affected areas.

The service urged the public to remain vigilant as rains are expected to continue, advising people to follow safety updates issued by the Kenya Meteorological Department and other government agencies.

“We urge members of the public to exercise extreme caution and vigilance, and to strictly adhere to updates and safety advisories issued by the Kenya Meteorological Department and other relevant government agencies,” the statement said.

The police commended responders, volunteers and partners involved in the operations, noting that a high-level emergency response team remains on alert and is actively deployed to handle emergencies.

Members of the public were also advised to report incidents at the nearest police station or through toll-free numbers 999, 911 and 112, or via Fichua kwa DCI.

The National Police Service said it remains committed to serving and protecting the public as rescue efforts continue.

Meanwhile, the Kenya Meteorological Department has forecast continued rainfall across several parts of the country between March 17 and March 23, 2026, with intensity expected to increase from Thursday.

In its weekly outlook, the department said rain will be experienced in the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, the Southeastern Lowlands and the Coastal region, with some areas likely to receive isolated heavy downpours.

The agency said parts of northeastern and northwestern Kenya are likely to remain mostly sunny and dry, although occasional rainfall cannot be ruled out.

It also noted that daytime temperatures above 30°C are expected in several areas, including the Coast and parts of northeastern and northwestern regions. The outlook comes as the country transitions into the March–May long rains season.

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