Kenya Flood Death Toll Rises to 18 as Heavy Rains Persist

Floods across Kenya have led to 18 deaths as of May 2, 2026, with most fatalities resulting from drowning, the Ministry of Interior and National Administration stated. Heavy rains have impacted various regions, prompting government assessments and warnings. The ministry issued a statement on May 3, 2026, detailing the situation.

The Eastern region recorded nine fatalities, the highest among affected areas, followed by three in the Central region, two in the Coast region, two in Nairobi, and two in the Rift Valley, according to the ministry. In the Eastern region, Makueni County reported the most deaths, along with damage from flash floods and mudslides to homes, roads, and power infrastructure.

The ministry noted that these events have intensified due to continued rainfall. In Nairobi, floods have affected approximately 6,600 people, displacing families and damaging roads, schools, and residential housing in several sub-counties. Central Kenya counties, including Kirinyaga and Kiambu, have experienced flooding of homes and destruction of bridges and roads.

In Mwea West, about 3,000 people have been displaced.

The government has mapped 59 flood-prone areas in Tana River County across its five sub-counties, with river levels rising along the Seven Forks Dam system. Tana Delta Sub-county has 32 such areas, including Feji, Kiembe, Halubha, Sera, Bwoka, Tsanankuu, Godhey, Dobaley, Abaganda, Salama, Ndera, Wema, Galili, Chira, Bilisa, Shirikisho, Kipini Division, Miliki, Majaliwa, Onido, Ndiponi, Kau, Kilelengwani, Kalota, Pungaupepo, Kidhanga, Diribu, Magogoni B, Kajisten, Ndimimbii, Ribe A, and Ozi Mtangani.

Tana River Sub-county has 10 areas, such as Masabubu, Rhoka, Kinakomba-Boji, Emmaus, Watta Hamesa, Vukoni, Mkomani, Bondeni, Laza-Makaburini, and Makere. Bangale Sub-county reports eight hotspots, including Bowa, Mbalambala, Mororo, Saka, Madogo, Tula, Ziwani, and Bulto Banta.

The ministry described Tana River County as one of the most vulnerable areas.

The Ministry of Interior and National Administration stated that the mapping is part of a national risk assessment and response effort. Multi-agency teams are monitoring the situation and coordinating responses across affected regions. Residents in low-lying areas in the Coast, Northeastern, Highlands, Rift Valley, and Nairobi regions have been advised to stay alert and move to higher ground when directed by security agencies.

Authorities warned that rising river levels and ongoing rainfall could lead to worsening conditions in the coming days. The government continues to track developments in collaboration with response teams.