March is not marching in the City. What began as the typical onset of the “long rains” quickly escalated into a historic crisis, as over 160mm of rainfall at Wilson Airport transformed the capital into a series of disconnected islands. From the skyscrapers of Upper Hill to the informal settlements of Mathare and Mukuru, the city is currently grappling with a force of nature that has tested the limits of our infrastructure and our collective resilience.
The scale of the devastation is sobering. As of Saturday, March 7, the National Police Service confirmed that at least 25 people have lost their lives, with many victims swept away by raging rivers or tragically electrocuted by downed power lines. Major arteries like the Thika Superhighway, Mombasa Road, and Uhuru Highway became impassable lagoons, trapping thousands of commuters in a gridlock that lasted deep into the night. Even our gateway to the world, JKIA, faced significant flight diversions to Mombasa as visibility and runway conditions deteriorated.
Amidst the chaos, the spirit of Nairobi remains unbroken. The Kenya Defence Forces’ Rapid Response Unit and the Kenya Red Cross have been working tirelessly, rescuing nearly 30 stranded residents and helping motorists navigate streets that have quite literally turned into rivers. The temporary waiver of fees on the Nairobi Expressway offered a rare lifeline for those trying to bypass the submerged A8 road below.
As the Kenya Meteorological Department warns of continued downpours through Monday, the city waits in a humid, expectant silence. This week is a stark reminder that while we pave our roads and build our estates, nature still holds the ultimate remote control. For now, the focus remains on safety, sobriety, and the slow process of unblocking the drains that keep our vibrant “Green City in the Sun” from sinking.
The Kenya Meteorological Department warns that this wet spell will persist through Monday, March 9. If you are navigating the city over the next 48 hours, keep these specific Nairobi tips in mind:
- Avoid “The Sunken Car Park”: Avoid the Aga Khan Walk area and low-lying parking bays in South C; these have proven to be the most hazardous for vehicle damage.
- Monitor “Nowcasts”: Follow the @MeteoKenya and @KenyaRedCross handles for real-time updates on which roundabouts are currently blocked.
- The Nairobi River Watch: If you live near the banks of the Nairobi or Mbagathi rivers (Kibra, Mathare, Mukuru), be prepared for rapid displacement if the water levels rise again tonight.
Note: Kenya Power is currently working to restore electricity in parts of Westlands and Roysambu. Treat all fallen cables as live.
