By Dorothy Musyoka
As heavy rains continue to pound several parts of Kenya, residents of Nairobi City are in despair as roads have become impassable due to floods.
The heavy rains from Saturday night have visibly left a trail of destruction in parts of the city leaving some residents homeless.
According to Kenya Red Cross analysis as of 22nd April 2024: 24,741 households have been affected by the rains with 11,206 households displaced.
The rains also killed 4,824 livestock and 260 businesses were affected, as well as 27,716 acres of arable land submerged.
In light of recent developments, the Red Cross has issued a cautionary advisory for 23 Kenyan counties where flooding has been reported since the commencement of the rainy season.
Within the last day, there have been reports of extensive infrastructure damage, with 15 roads rendered impassable and 24 schools suffering varying degrees of damage.
Since the rains began, 188 people have been rescued across the country, including three people rescued in Joska on Monday 22nd after the Athi river burst its banks. 14 out of 19 people were also marooned in Kinanie, Machakos County on Sunday 21st April 2024.
According to the Kenya Red Cross, several households in Machakos County’s Kinanie, Joska, and Kamulu areas have been impacted by the overflowing Athi River.
At the same time, Nairobi and Ngong Rivers have caused flooding in Mukuru Kwa Reuben, Elite Estate on Ole Dume Road and its environs, Gatina ward and Isaac Gathanju Road, Kibra, South C, South B, Mukuru Kwa Njenga, Viwandani and Kilimani where residents suffered major losses.