Interior Ministry Identifies 37 Flood-Prone Areas in Nairobi Amid Heavy Rains

The Ministry of Interior has mapped out 37 high-risk flood zones across Nairobi as heavy rains continue to batter parts of the country.

The mapping was carried out under the Nairobi Rivers Regeneration Programme, focusing on major river corridors and low-lying areas prone to flooding.

Flood-Prone Areas in Nairobi

Nairobi North
Flood risks are high in areas including Kiambiu, Dandora, Kariobangi, Kayole, Komarock, Njiru, Ruai, Mwiki, Donholm, Savannah, Tassia, and Fedha. These neighborhoods lie downstream along sections of the Nairobi River and its tributaries.

Nairobi West
The ministry identified Madaraka, Nairobi West, Lang’ata, Kawangware, Kangemi, Lavington, Westlands, Parklands, Kitisuru, Spring Valley, Kileleshwa, and Chiromo as vulnerable, especially along upstream and midstream river sections.

Nairobi North Corridor
Dense settlements along Mathare, Korogocho, and Lucky Summer face a heightened flood risk, particularly areas bordering the Mathare River.

Nairobi Central
Areas along the Nairobi River, including the Central Business District (CBD), Globe, Gikomba, Eastleigh, and the Industrial Area, are also at risk.

Nairobi South
The ministry listed Kilimani, Kibera, South C, South B, Mukuru Kwa Reuben, and Kwa Njenga as vulnerable, mostly along the Ngong River corridor.

Recent Floods and Disruptions

A second wave of flash floods on Saturday, March 14, disrupted traffic in several areas, overwhelming drainage systems and leaving roads impassable. Key affected areas included Parklands, CBD, Ngong Road, Lower Kabete, Kibera, Kilimani, South B, Kawangware, and Lang’ata.

The Kenya Red Cross reported that flooding was mainly caused by overflowing rivers, including the Nairobi and Ngong Rivers.

Government Response

President William Ruto assured that a multi-agency response team comprising emergency services, security agencies, humanitarian teams, and technical departments is coordinating rescue and evacuation efforts.

The government is also working with the county authorities to deliver emergency food and medical assistance to affected residents.

Weather Outlook

The Kenya Meteorological Department has forecast continued rains and low temperatures in Western Kenya, the Central Highlands, the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, and South-eastern Lowlands throughout the week.