Nairobi Dam Flood Threat Sparks Mass Evacuation Warning as Death Toll Hits 83

Residents living downstream of Nairobi Dam have been placed on high alert over an imminent flood risk as water levels continue to rise following heavy rains.

The Water Resources Authority has issued a precautionary notice urging hundreds of at-risk residents to relocate immediately to safer areas.

Those most vulnerable include communities in Kibera, parts of Highrise, Lang’ata, South C, Mbagathi Way and Madaraka, all of which lie along flood-prone zones downstream of the dam.

Johnson Sakaja joined the warning, calling for urgent relocation to avert a potential disaster.

“We must make tough decisions… My brothers from Kibra, you know what happens along Ngong River. Right now, I am worried; I received a notice about Nairobi Dam. It started in 1953 and if it was to burst today, we would lose so many lives… there are people who must move,” Sakaja said.

a submerged house following recent flooding. People living along Nairobi river have been warned following fears that the Nairobi dam could break its banks if the rains persist.

The governor also cautioned politicians against politicizing the warnings, even as the nationwide flood death toll rises to 83.

He pointed to ongoing efforts under the Nairobi Regeneration Programme aimed at clearing riparian land and restoring river systems, urging residents to vacate high-risk zones.

Meanwhile, the impact of the ongoing heavy rains is being felt across the country.

a flooded drive way cause by heavy rains. several roads across the country have been damamged with bridges being blocked as deaths caused by floods rise to more than 80

In Baringo County, a landslide in Kasaka and Kabarkebo villages in Baringo North has claimed two lives. A woman died after a landslide struck, while a four-year-old child was swept away by floods.

“We heard it around 2:30 am; we heard a roar and wondered if it was an earthquake,” said Elvis Lagat, a resident.

“We lost an ECD teacher; she had a child but we managed to save the child. The public helped us,” added Symon Kiplagat, MCA for Kabartonjo Ward.

Authorities say several areas have been affected, with roads rendered impassable in parts of Kakoiywa and Kipsarama.

Joseph Makilap, MP for Baringo North, confirmed that at least four houses had been destroyed, while Sub-County Commander Robert Odongo urged residents in danger zones to move to safer ground.

The Kenya Meteorological Department has warned that heavy rainfall exceeding 20mm within 24 hours is expected to persist until Tuesday in several parts of the country, raising fears of further flooding and landslides.