Nairobi residents are once again counting losses after heavy downpours during the March–May long rains left large parts of the capital flooded.
The city famously known as the “Green City in the Sun” has been turned into a nightmare for many commuters, with streets transformed into rivers, homes flooded and businesses disrupted.
Roads Flooded, Commuters Stranded
Earlier this month, the Kenya Meteorological Department warned that the country would experience heavy rainfall exceeding 20mm within 24 hours between March 4 and March 7.
The agency cautioned that flash floods were likely in low-lying areas.
But the situation quickly escalated in Nairobi, with major roads including Thika Road, Uhuru Highway and Mombasa Road becoming nearly impassable.
Videos circulating online show stalled vehicles, abandoned matatus and pedestrians struggling through knee-deep floodwater mixed with garbage and sewage
Estates Among the Worst Hit
Several estates across the city have been heavily affected.
Areas such as Ngara, Embakasi, Kibra, Roysambu and parts of Westlands have experienced severe flooding, particularly in low-lying zones and informal settlements.
Some viral videos show vehicles reportedly swept away near Ruai Bypass, while others capture dramatic rescues in Ngara as floodwaters rise quickly.
There were also worrying reports of a teenage boy being swept away in the Imbagathi River as the rains intensified.
Residents Blame Poor Drainage
Many residents say the flooding is not just about heavy rains but also long-standing issues with drainage systems in the city.
Blocked drains filled with plastic waste, silt and uncollected garbage have been blamed for worsening floods whenever it rains heavily.
Critics also point to buildings constructed on riparian land and poorly maintained stormwater channels as factors making the situation worse every rainy season.
Governor Sakaja Faces Online Backlash
The flooding has sparked heated debate online, with many Kenyans directing their frustration toward Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja.
Social media has been flooded with reactions ranging from anger to sarcasm.
One X user, @kolonelikris, wrote:
“Yaani as others are mobilizing resources to fight in a world war, Sakaja is mobilizing resources to fight flooding in 2026?”
Another user, @Ndiri75338Edwin, shared a meme mocking the governor, writing:
“Sakaja right now when you all talking about floods.”
User @Abdirizack16125 added:
“Nairobi’s floods have really exposed Sakaja’s incompetence as the Governor of Nairobi. Huyu naye ni Must Go.”
However, not everyone placed the blame on the current leadership alone.
User @amirmamo345 commented:
“Why are people blaming Sakaja only for floods being experienced? Isn’t the incompetence of Nairobi and Kenya’s leadership a continuing theme? We are not experiencing floods for the first time in Nairobi. We are just quick to forget when the rain stops.”
Another user, @CalebOkumu__, questioned:
“Ruto and Sakaja will blame Gachagua for the floods?”
Meanwhile @MenengaiLove wrote:
“Bad governance is an equalizer sometimes… maybe atapeana orders since dimple ya Sakaja can’t handle what Nairobi needs especially water drainage.”
User @ShaukatHus26111 compared the situation to other countries:
“See in UK, rains all month no floods here only one day loss of billions. Hon Sakaja where is our Nairobi tax money going?”
Another resident, @KenyaYouthUnion, posted:
“Many travelled back home yesterday in huge trouble because of floods… Governor Sakaja make sure you use pesa ya Nairobi kuunda drainage.”
And @__msadhiambo added humor mixed with frustration:
“Sakaja hebu smile sasa tutumie your dimples kudrain these floods. I have literally been stranded midway heading home.”
Businesses Disrupted, Families Affected
The impact of the floods has been widespread.
Many businesses were forced to close early, workers struggled to get home, and children missed school as transport systems were disrupted.
In informal settlements, the situation is even worse, with floodwater mixing with sewage and garbage, raising concerns about possible disease outbreaks.
Calls for Long-Term Solutions
Authorities have advised residents to stay indoors and avoid flooded areas, but many say that advice is difficult to follow when homes and workplaces are already affected.
As the long rains continue, Nairobi residents are once again calling for long-term solutions to the city’s recurring flooding problem.
