- Heavy rains lashed Nairobi, flooding roads and large farms, including South B, South C and Nairobi West, leaving motorists stranded
- Parts of the Uhuru Highway, Kilimani and Nairobi City were submerged as rainwater filled the drainage systems.
- Kenya Defense Forces joined emergency teams to rescue residents trapped in flooded houses and help stranded drivers
- The Nairobi floods also sparked an online debate about sewerage systems and urban planning, with Governor Johnson Sakaja facing criticism
Heavy rains lashed Nairobi, leaving several roads submerged, snarling drivers, and affecting transportation in various parts of the capital.
It clogged drainage systems in many neighborhoods, causing widespread flooding that disrupted traffic and sparked debate online about the city’s preparedness for the season’s storms.
The heavy rain started early evening on Friday, March 6 and quickly increased, turning streets into rivers in several places and along highways.
Among the worst affected areas are Nairobi West, South C, and South B, where rising water levels submerged roads and left motorists struggling to navigate flooded streets.
Parts of the Uhuru Highway were particularly affected, with horrific scenes showing cars almost engulfed in floodwaters as drivers tried to drive through the flooded road.
Some drivers had no choice but to abandon their lanes or park their cars in the middle of the road as the water levels continued to rise.
Flooding was also reported in Kilimani and parts of the central business district with heavy water flowing in these areas turning busy streets into flowing streams, reducing traffic and forcing commuters to find alternative routes.
Videos and photos circulating on social media showed drivers and passengers stuck in chaos as cars got stuck in flood waters.
In several videos, drivers were seen trying to wade through the deep water, while others stood helplessly as cars stopped.
In response to the crisis, the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) were deployed to assist in rescue and emergency operations across the city.
Military teams joined the National Disaster Operations Center, county emergency teams, and other rescue agencies in evacuating residents trapped in flooded homes and assisting stranded motorists in the chaos.
For many urban residents, the floods raised questions again about whether Nairobi is adequately prepared to deal with heavy rains.
The situation also sparked debate online, with some residents expressing confusion about the city’s drainage systems and broader urban planning issues.
The expression “Hai-work” is derived from the motto of the Governor Johnsonbegan to circulate in some social media forums, showing public dissatisfaction and criticism against his administration.
Some said that the President’s dream William Ruto of Singapore to change countries will not be possible if such conditions continue.
Evelyne Smiley:
“Sea-ngapool it is.”
Ja-c Fruits:
“Dimples can’t hold those waters. Did you know that Singapore in Kanairo is Sink-hapo.”
Beryl Sheryl Dinga:
“We are still swimming directly to Singapore.”
Kiselia Josephs:
“This direction the water is taking us seems we passed Yemen approaching Singapore. What a night.”
Valen:
“Nairobi needs managers not politicians, rip off the status of Nairobi as a county and let it be under a metropolitan jurisdiction…this is also hiawork.”
Allan Walker:
“I see the budget if we buy a ship now.”
Khevyn KE:
“This one in Nairobi has overcome the floods of Budalangi.”
Ken Ras Gichobi:
“God has decided to destroy Sakaja. Where did you send the money for the drainage or is it in Singapore.”
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