Nairobi floods: Military helps clear roads after heavy rains

A military Rapid Response Unit responded to last night’s floods in Nairobi.

The team conducted traffic control and facilitated the towing of five vehicles at the Kariokor–Ring Road roundabout, which had been affected by the swollen Nairobi River, restoring traffic flow.

They also established traffic control at Mbagathi Roundabout, another area impacted by flooding.

The move came after rains hit Nairobi on Friday evening, March 6, 2026, with the heavy downpours leaving streets submerged in ankle-to-knee-deep water in low-lying areas.

Some of the worst-affected locations included streets along Mombasa Road, South C, Parklands, and Mbagathi Way.

Floodwaters rose rapidly, stranding pedestrians and motorists and forcing several vehicles to stop mid-journey.

At the Sunken Car Park along Aga Khan Walk in the central business district, water levels rose halfway up several parked cars, creating hazardous conditions for drivers and pedestrians.

Commuters reported being stuck in traffic jams for hours as flooded streets and stalled vehicles brought movement across the city to a near standstill.

The deployment of the Rapid Response Unit complemented ongoing efforts by the Nairobi City County Government and other national agencies, including the National Police Service, the National Youth Service, and the Kenya Red Cross Society.

Authorities have urged residents to avoid crossing swollen rivers or waterlogged streets, stay away from downed power lines, and report any emergencies to designated hotlines.