Severe rainfall across Kenya has led to deadly flooding that has claimed 62 lives, including eight children, within a week. The capital, Nairobi, has suffered the highest casualties as water rushed through streets, damaging infrastructure and forcing thousands from their homes. Authorities say the downpours have continued in several areas, keeping the risk of further flooding high.

Police confirmed on Saturday that the national death toll had reached 62 since heavy rains began late last week. The latest figure marks a sharp rise from the earlier count of 42 released a week ago.

Nairobi has been the hardest hit, with 33 people losing their lives in the capital alone. The updated numbers were shared by the police through a post on X.

The flooding intensified after sudden overnight downpours triggered flash floods in the city. Emergency workers started recovering bodies from floodwaters across Nairobi last Saturday.

Fast-moving water swept away numerous vehicles and disrupted operations at East Africa’s largest airport, affecting flight movements.

The disaster has also forced more than 2,000 families across Kenya to abandon their homes as floodwaters spread through residential areas.

Rescues underway as damage spreads across country

Emergency teams continued rescue efforts as the impact of the floods widened. According to the Kenya Red Cross, 11 people were pulled to safety overnight when a minibus taxi — locally known as a matatu — became stranded in rising water in Nairobi.

Rescuers also managed to save two children trapped inside a flooded house.

The intense rainfall over the past week has caused rivers to overflow, pushing water into homes and damaging key infrastructure. Roads have been affected, while power and water supply lines have also suffered damage.

In Nairobi, some bridges were damaged by the flooding, forcing authorities to close several roads. Saturday’s heavy downpour also led to flooding in some schools.

The interior ministry said heavy rain was still affecting multiple parts of the country and warned that the ongoing weather conditions were increasing the likelihood of further flooding.