Nairobi Floods: KDF Officers Deployed as CBD Roads and Major Highways Submerged After Heavy Rainfall
Panic and destruction swept across Nairobi on Friday night after heavy rainfall triggered severe flooding in the Central Business District (CBD) and several major highways, leaving motorists stranded and businesses counting massive losses.
The floods, which began on the evening of March 6, 2026, submerged key roads, disrupted traffic, and forced emergency rescue operations across multiple parts of the capital.
Vehicles Submerged as Floodwaters Paralyze Nairobi Roads
Shocking images and videos circulating online show vehicles nearly completely submerged in floodwater, with some reportedly swept away by the fast-moving currents.
Several businesses and residential homes also suffered serious damage after water flooded into buildings, forcing some families to abandon their houses and seek safer places.
In a statement released on Friday night, the Kenya Red Cross confirmed that the heavy downpour caused widespread flooding and distress among residents.
“Heavy rainfall has caused flooding in several parts of Nairobi and surrounding areas, leading to road closures, property damage, displacement and distress among affected communities,” the organisation said.
Major Nairobi Highways Hit by Flooding
Authorities confirmed that several key roads were heavily affected by the floods, including:
* Uhuru Highway
* Mbagathi Way
* Mombasa Road
* Thika Superhighway
* Jogoo Road
* Lunga Lunga Road
* Lang’ata Road
Traffic was severely disrupted as floodwaters covered large sections of these highways, leaving commuters stranded for hours.
One viral video captured a 33-seater PSV bus stranded on Uhuru Highway near the Haile Selassie exit of the Nairobi Expressway. The bus was almost three-quarters submerged as terrified passengers formed a human chain to escape to safer ground.
Kenya Red Cross Rescues Stranded Motorists
Emergency responders quickly launched rescue missions in several parts of the city.
The Kenya Red Cross confirmed that at least 20 people stranded along Kirinyaga Road were successfully rescued and moved to safety.
Meanwhile, several residential estates experienced severe flooding, with water levels rising to knee height in some areas, making roads completely impassable.
Floods Hit Several Nairobi Estates
The floods affected many neighbourhoods across the capital, including:
* Pipeline
* Embakasi
* Mukuru Kwa Njenga
* Reuben
* Viwandani
* Kibra
* Mathare
* Huruma
* Baba Dogo
Other areas affected include South B, South C, Nairobi West, Lang’ata, Umoja 3, Chokaa, Njiru, Ruai, Utawala, Roysambu, Kahawa West, Githurai, Loresho and parts of Westlands.
Some of the flooding was worsened by the swelling of the Nairobi River, forcing some residents to spend the night outside in the cold.
KDF Rapid Response Unit Deployed
As the situation worsened, the Kenya Defence Forces deployed its Rapid Response Unit to assist emergency teams.
According to a statement, KDF officers helped manage traffic and clear blocked roads caused by stalled vehicles.
The military also towed five vehicles from the Kariokor–Ring Road roundabout and established traffic control at the busy Mbagathi Roundabout to restore movement in the affected areas.
Kenya Met Warns of More Heavy Rainfall
The Kenya Meteorological Department has warned that more heavy rainfall is expected across Nairobi and other regions of the country as the long rains season begins.
Weather forecasts indicate up to 20mm of rainfall between Wednesday and Monday next week, raising fears that flooding could worsen if drainage systems remain overwhelmed.
Authorities are urging residents living in flood-prone areas to remain vigilant as emergency teams continue monitoring the situation.
