Kenya’s flood death toll climbs to 71

The death toll from severe flooding caused by heavy rains in Kenya has risen sharply to 71, the Ministry of Interior confirmed Tuesday, as authorities battle rising waters, destruction and displacement across the country.

Three additional fatalities were recorded in Nairobi on Tuesday, with one death reported in the Eastern Region and another along the Coast, bringing the official total to 71 people killed in flooding that began in early March.

Earlier reports noted 66 deaths, including 50 adult men, eight women and eight children. Nairobi remains the hardest-hit area with more than 30 deaths, while the Eastern and Rift Valley regions have also seen significant loss of life.

More remote areas, including Nyanza and Central Kenya, have reported additional fatalities and widespread damage.

Search, rescue and displacement challenges

The National Police Service (NPS) is spearheading search and rescue efforts nationwide, working with regional emergency teams to save lives and deliver aid to isolated communities.

Police say more than 2,000 families have been displaced as torrential rains continue to inundate homes and damage infrastructure. Roads and bridges have been destroyed, leaving residents cut off and struggling to cope with loss of property and access.

“As the rains persist in various parts of the country, we urge members of the public to exercise extreme caution,” the NPS said in a statement, urging residents to follow advisories from the Kenya Meteorological Department and other government agencies.

Ongoing risks and government response

Authorities warn that with heavy rain forecast to persist, the risk of further flooding and additional fatalities remains high. Residents are being advised to avoid low‑lying areas and riverbanks, which have seen the worst inundation.

Evacuation efforts continue, with police and local officials using boats and other resources to pull stranded residents to safety and deliver emergency supplies.

Officials say relief efforts are part of a coordinated, multi‑agency response involving police, humanitarian groups and county governments.