The Kenya government has activated a multi-agency emergency response team to coordinate rescue, relief, and recovery operations following devastating floods that have affected several counties across the country.
Geoffrey Ruku, Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes, announced that the team convened its first meeting on Saturday after directives from William Ruto to accelerate interventions and closely monitor the evolving disaster situation.
Speaking during a joint press briefing on behalf of the Multi-Agency Emergency Response Secretariat at Harambee House, Ruku said the response effort brings together multiple national and humanitarian agencies.
Multi-Agency Response Deployed
The coordinated emergency operation includes the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, Kenya Defence Forces, National Police Service, National Youth Service, Kenya Red Cross Society, and St. John Ambulance Kenya.
Infrastructure agencies including the Kenya Rural Roads Authority, Kenya National Highways Authority, and Kenya Urban Roads Authority are also involved, alongside the Nairobi City County Government.
Authorities say the joint task force will focus on rescue operations, humanitarian assistance, and restoring essential services in affected regions.
Rising Death Toll and Displacement
According to the government, the death toll from the flooding has risen to 25. The fatalities include 21 adult men and two male children in Nairobi, as well as two children in Kitui County.
Flooding has affected both urban and rural areas across multiple counties including Kiambu County, Kajiado County, Makueni County, Nakuru County, Migori County, Murang’a County, Bungoma County, Kwale County, Kirinyaga County and Tharaka Nithi County.
“In Nairobi, about 3,500 households have been affected,” Ruku said.
He added that in Kisumu County, at least 381 households were displaced after the Sondu‑Miriu River burst its banks, affecting Kobala and Kobuya locations.
Relief Assistance for Displaced Families
The government, through the State Department for Special Programmes and humanitarian partners such as the Kenya Red Cross, has begun providing emergency support to affected communities.
Assistance includes temporary shelter in churches, schools, and neighbouring homes, as well as the distribution of food supplies, non-food items, and hygiene kits to displaced households.
To strengthen coordination at the local level, all sub-counties have been directed to establish public information desks, emergency response centres, and rapid response stations. Deputy County Commissioners are overseeing assistance to affected families in their jurisdictions.
Infrastructure Damage Across Counties
Floodwaters have caused extensive damage to infrastructure, including roads and bridges in several counties.
Affected infrastructure includes the Wote–Emali Road and Kyamelu Bridge in Makueni, Hellena Bridge in Kajiado, Kabare–Kiringa Bridge in Kirinyaga, Kimama footbridge in Bungoma, and River Migori Bridge in Migori County.
Within Nairobi, major transport routes such as Mombasa Road, Uhuru Highway, Lang’ata Road, Mpaka Road in Parklands, and access roads along Kangundo Road were disrupted by floodwaters.
Authorities say traffic is gradually returning to normal following emergency interventions by national and county teams.
Schools and Power Supply Affected
Flooding has also impacted education facilities. According to the Cabinet Secretary, at least 15 schools in Nairobi have already reported damage to classrooms, dormitories, and playing fields.
The Ministry of Education is currently compiling data on affected schools across the country.
Meanwhile, power outages have been reported in several flood-hit areas after electricity lines and substations were damaged.
The Kenya Power and Lighting Company has deployed more than 800 technicians along with mobile generators and repair teams to restore electricity and secure affected infrastructure.
Ongoing Rescue and Safety Measures
Rescue operations have been strengthened through the deployment of rapid response units from the Kenya Defence Forces and the National Disaster Management Unit. These teams are assisting in evacuating stranded residents, rescuing motorists trapped by floodwaters, and protecting critical infrastructure.
Personnel from the National Youth Service have also been mobilised to support debris clearance, logistics operations, and aid distribution.
Authorities have urged residents living in flood-prone areas to move to higher ground, avoid flooded roads and rivers, and rely on official updates from the Kenya Meteorological Department.
The public has also been advised to report emergencies through national disaster hotlines and to follow safety measures such as boiling drinking water and maintaining proper hygiene to prevent disease outbreaks.
Ruku assured the public that the government has mobilised sufficient resources and personnel to respond to the disaster and restore normalcy in affected areas.
