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Floods in Kenya: The Impact and Response Efforts

Ushahidi
Apr 30, 2024

Kenya is currently grappling with a severe flooding crisis caused by relentless heavy rainfall since mid-March, surpassing normal seasonal patterns. This disaster, exacerbated by unusually intense rainfall during the March-April-May season, has resulted in overflowing rivers, displacement of thousands of families, destruction of homes and infrastructure, and tragic loss of life.

The floods have been as a consequence of exceptional rainfall levels persisting beyond typical seasonal norms. Meteorologists from the Kenya Meteorological Department have reported rainfall amounts reaching up to 200% of the average seasonal rainfall in certain areas, overwhelming drainage systems and flood defenses.

Source: Kenya Red Cross Floods-Update.pdf (redcross.or.ke)

 

Impact on Communities

Communities across various regions, including the Coastal area, Central regions like Nairobi, Western Highlands, Rift Valley, Lake Victoria Basin, South-eastern lowlands, and North-eastern regions, have borne the brunt of this catastrophe:

  • The death toll continues to rise, with at least 120 lives lost due to the flooding since March. A blocked old railway tunnel in Old Kijabe Town gave way following days of heavy rains, adding to the number of casualties reported so far.
  • Livelihoods have been devastated, with vast acres of farmland submerged, causing significant crop losses and threatening food security. Over 32,000 hectares of agricultural land have been affected by the floods, impacting the livelihoods of thousands of farmers.
  • Livestock has also been severely affected, with over 100,000 animals impacted by the flooding according to the Kenya Veterinary Board, leading to loss of livestock and livelihoods for pastoral communities.
  • As a result of the floods, the Kenya Ministry of Education has postponed the opening date for primary and secondary schools to May 6, 2024.

Source: Al Jazeera

 

Specific Incidents and Challenges

Over 130,000 people have been affected by the floods, equivalent to approximately 20,697 households. Additionally, around 40,265 people, comprising 8,053 households, have been displaced from their homes due to the flooding crisis.

This can be further put into context from the numbers reported around the counties as of 19th April 2024. In Nairobi County, approximately 31,015 people (equivalent to 6,203 households) residing in areas like Kware, Kibra, Viwandani, Mukuru Kwa Njenga, Kayole, and Mukuru Kwa Reuben have been affected by flooding. Additionally, the bursting of the Athi River banks spilled over into Machakos County, impacting 2,215 people (443 households).

Other affected counties include:

  • Machakos County: Experienced impact from the Athi River overflow, affecting 2,215 people.
  • Kajiado County: Floods affected 1,450 people.
  • Kirinyaga County: Floods affected 375 people, with 300 individuals displaced to Valley Road School due to flooding in Kianjaga village.
  • Mwea West, Kirinyaga County: Severe flooding affected 7,500 people due to the Thiba River overflow.
  • Muranga County: Landslides displaced 15 people.
  • Meru County: Flooding affected 185 people.

In Western Kenya and the Lake Victoria Basin, approximately 5,618 individuals have been impacted by riverine flooding across Kisumu, Migori, and Busia counties. Notable displacement figures include 255 people in Kisumu County and 340 people in Migori County.

Garissa County faces significant challenges, with an estimated 70,000 people (14,000 households) expected to be displaced due to ongoing heavy rains, prompting warnings for potential flooding in Garissa, Tana River, and Lamu counties.

Marsabit County witnessed impacts affecting at least 200 people (40 households), particularly in villages like Ambalo, Dambala Fachana, and Funan Kumbi, which have been isolated by floods.

In Narok County, seven schools and a critical borehole serving about 10,750 people (2,150 households) in Ololunga were destroyed by floods, adding to the overall impact of the crisis.

 

Response Efforts and Ongoing Challenges

In response to this dire situation, government agencies, humanitarian organizations, and community groups have mobilized resources to provide crucial assistance:

  • Displacement Camps: Approximately 50 displacement camps have been established to provide shelter and basic necessities to displaced families, with the Kenya Red Cross Society playing a pivotal role in their management and support.
  • Rescue Operations: Specialized teams from the Kenya National Disaster Operations Center and other agencies are conducting continuous rescue operations, evacuating stranded individuals and providing urgent medical aid in high-risk areas.
  • Relief Supplies: Food, clean water, blankets, and hygiene kits continue to be distributed to affected communities by the World Food Programme and UNICEF, but ongoing support is needed to meet the growing demand.
  • Infrastructure Rehabilitation: Extensive efforts are underway to restore damaged roads, bridges, and critical infrastructure, led by the Kenya National Highways Authority and Ministry of Transport, with significant challenges posed by the magnitude of destruction and ongoing rainfall.

 

Regional Impact

The impact of the flooding crisis extends beyond Kenya's borders, affecting neighboring Tanzania as well. Tanzanian Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa reported that the floods have resulted in 155 deaths with more than 200,000 people affected.

In Burundi, the rising waters of Lake Tanganyika have impacted 10 communes across 4 provinces. At the moment, 162,356 people are reported to be at high risk, with 66,391 individuals already in need of assistance.

 

What to Do if You're Affected

In the event of floods impacting your area, take immediate steps to ensure safety:

  • Stay informed with weather forecasts and evacuation advisories issued by the Kenya Meteorological Department and local authorities.
  • Evacuate if necessary and seek higher ground immediately.
  • Avoid contact with floodwaters to prevent health risks and follow hygiene practices recommended by health authorities.
  • Prepare an emergency kit with essential supplies including non-perishable food, water, medications, and important documents.

 

Support Relief Efforts

You can contribute to relief efforts by:

  • Donating to reputable organizations like the Kenya Red Cross Society or international humanitarian agencies providing aid to flood-affected communities.
  • Volunteering with local NGOs or humanitarian agencies to assist with distribution of relief supplies or provide support in displacement camps.
  • Raising awareness about the flooding crisis on social media and among your networks to mobilize support and resources for those in need.
  • Offering specific skills and expertise, such as medical training, engineering, logistics, or counseling, to support relief efforts on the ground and contribute to long-term recovery.

 

Hotlines for Assistance

For immediate aid and information related to the flooding crisis, use the following hotlines:

  • Kenya Red Cross Society: 1199 or 0703 037 000
  • National Disaster Operations Center: 0202151053 and the Toll-free number 800721571
  • National Police Service: 999 / 112 / 911

Additionally, we are using the Ushahidi Platform to map out the effects of climate change in Kenya. If your area is currently experiencing flooding related incidences, please share your reports with us through:

Stay tuned for further updates as we navigate through this challenging time together.