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Kenya Flood Death Toll Rises to 18 as Heavy Rains Persist
The death toll from floods in Kenya has reached 18, primarily due to drowning, according to the Ministry of Interior and National Administration. The Eastern region reported the highest number of fatalities, with ongoing rains affecting multiple areas. Authorities have identified 59 flood-prone locations in Tana River County and urged residents in at-risk areas to relocate to higher ground.
May 4, 1:08 AM·2m read1 source
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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.
