A vehicle swept by floodwaters in the Grogan area of downtown Nairobi on Sunday, March 15, 2026. Heavy rains that pounded the city a day earlier triggered flash floods that overwhelmed roads and drainage systems, leaving parts of the city submerged and damaging businesses and motor vehicles. Along Grogan Road, a busy hub for second-hand vehicle parts near the Nairobi River, mechanics and traders continued salvaging usable parts after floodwaters swept through roadside garages, spare-parts shops and stalls. DENNIS ONSONGO | NATION
Kenya is once again bearing the brunt of failure to avert disasters. Despite repeated warnings ahead of the long rains, at least 84 people have died in floods sweeping across the country, destroying homes, displacing families, and exposing deep gaps in planning and response. As emergency evacuations begin, attention is shifting beyond the rains to years of inaction, mismanagement, and a system that remains largely reactive rather than proactive.
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