Mother, 2 Children Killed As Floods Displace Hundreds In Nairobi

Devastating floods have displaced hundreds of families in Nairobi’s informal settlements, forcing many to endure cold nights and unsanitary conditions after their homes were destroyed and entire neighbourhoods were submerged.

In Mathare Phase 4, tragedy struck when a wall collapsed during Monday night’s heavy downpour, killing three people. Among the victims were a mother and her two children, who reportedly died beneath the rubble.

In Mukuru Kwa Ruben, floodwaters swept away hundreds of homes, leaving scores of families stranded and in urgent need of assistance.

Efforts by residents to escape their flooded homes have been severely hampered by overwhelming water levels, making it nearly impossible to walk or swim to safety.

Scene after a collapsed wall wreaked havoc at the Mradi area in Mathare, Nairobi on April 22, 2025. /THIKA TOWN TODAY

At the time of going to press, more than 500 families had been displaced, with most unable to salvage their belongings.

Many residents said the floodwaters surged into their homes during the early hours of the morning, catching them off guard. Most were only able to save their children, leaving everything else behind.

There is growing concern among the affected communities over the presence of industrial and hazardous waste flowing into the floodwaters, posing serious health risks.

Frustrated residents also criticised Nairobi County authorities, accusing Governor Johnson Sakaja’s administration of failing to implement proper drainage and sewerage systems in the vulnerable areas.

Last year, scores lost their lives and hundreds were displaced during the April flooding, and nothing has been done to address the issue despite Sakaja's promises.

''This problem has been here over time. The county government has been pledging to construct the sewerage system, and nothing has ever materialised. The waste comes all the way from KNH, risking the thousands of livelihoods here," James Mwangi Njoroge, a resident who has lived in the area for the last 30 years, stated. 

As of now, no aid—either from the government or humanitarian organisations—has reached the flood-hit residents of Mukuru Kwa Ruben. In contrast, rescue efforts are currently underway in Mathare.

On Tuesday, Kenya Meteorological Department Director David Gikungu issued a public advisory, warning Kenyans to prepare for heavy rainfall over the next week, from April 22 to April 28.

Gikungu noted that the most affected areas will include the Central Highlands (Nairobi included), Western Kenya, the Lake Victoria Basin, the Southeastern Lowlands, the Central and South Rift Valley, and parts of Northeastern Kenya.

In early March, Kenya Met advised residents in parts of the country to be on the lookout for potential floods, flash floods and poor visibility.