Heavy rains that lashed Nairobi on Friday evening caused widespread flooding across the city.
Several major roads, including Mombasa Road and Thika Road, were submerged, leaving motorists stranded and traffic at a standstill.
Residents in low-lying estates such as Kayole, Embakasi, and Eastleigh reported water entering homes, damaging property and forcing families to move to safer areas.
Rescue teams from the Nairobi City County worked through the night to assist trapped motorists and evacuate residents from heavily flooded neighborhoods.
Public transport operators suspended services on the most affected routes, leaving commuters with limited options to reach their destinations.
The Kenya Meteorological Department had issued a heavy rainfall warning earlier in the day, urging residents to take precautions.
Despite the warning, the intensity of the rains overwhelmed drainage systems, exposing the city’s persistent infrastructure challenges.
Businesses in flood-prone areas were forced to close temporarily as water levels rose, disrupting trade and daily activities.
Motorists were advised to use alternative routes, including the Nairobi Expressway, which allowed free access for vehicles to ease congestion.
Social media users shared videos and images of submerged vehicles and flooded streets, highlighting the severity of the situation under the hashtag #CitizenFridayNight.
City engineers began clearing blocked drains and removing debris to restore normal water flow and prevent further flooding.
Authorities urged residents to remain indoors where possible and avoid attempting to cross flooded areas, as swift currents posed a significant risk.
Electricity supply was temporarily affected in some areas due to water ingress in transformers, prompting Kenya Power to issue safety advisories.
The floods serve as a stark reminder of Nairobi’s vulnerability to heavy rains and the urgent need for improved urban planning and drainage infrastructure.