Kenya Death Toll Climbs to 88 as Two Rivers Overflow, Displacing Thousands

Devastating floods in Kenya have claimed 88 lives after two major rivers burst their banks this week. More than 34,000 people have been forced from their homes across 21 counties, with emergency crews racing to evacuate students and families from rising waters.

NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenyan officials announced Tuesday that devastating floods have claimed 88 lives after two major rivers overflowed their banks, forcing families from their homes and destroying agricultural land throughout the East African nation.

The flooding disaster has impacted 21 counties across Kenya, creating serious concerns about public safety, damaged infrastructure, and mounting humanitarian crisis. More than 34,000 residents have been forced to evacuate their homes since the flooding began in early March, according to the Interior Ministry.

Western Kenya experienced the most recent flooding emergency when the Nyando River overflowed Monday, inundating portions of the Ahero Bridge on the Kericho–Awasi–Kisumu highway and cutting off transportation throughout the area.

Government officials released a warning urging drivers to avoid the flooded roadway and find alternate routes, especially during nighttime hours when visibility becomes poor.

“This advisory is especially critical during the hours of darkness, when it may be difficult to accurately determine the depth and strength of the flowing water,” the statement said.

Rescue operations have escalated in the hardest-hit regions, with the Kenya Red Cross Society leading efforts to save trapped residents and move families to higher ground.

Around the Nyando region, emergency workers have rescued more than 200 people along with over 200 farm animals, while pulling at least two families from life-threatening situations. Officials are also rushing to evacuate more than 900 students from Ahero Girls National School as flood levels continue climbing.

The Interior Ministry reported Tuesday that no fewer than 265 households have been impacted in the region. Evacuated families are finding temporary shelter in community buildings, including government facilities, religious centers, and medical clinics. Six children without guardians were among those rescued and are receiving special care.

Additional flooding has struck other areas across the country.

In Tana River County, the River Tana overflowed, swamping farmland in Mbalambala and nearby communities, including Asako village, putting food supplies at risk. In Uasin Gishu County, a coordinated response team is evaluating damage from rising waters along the Sosiani River in Lower Elgon View, where homes and hospitality businesses have been impacted.

Throughout Kenya, the flooding has upended normal activities, shutting down schools, making highways impassable, and halting commerce, especially in low-elevation areas and informal communities.

Government officials report that emergency response teams continue monitoring conditions on location, with more evacuations planned if rainfall continues.

While Kenya faces seasonal flooding annually, the current disaster’s scope and severity have heightened worries about emergency readiness and the risk to communities located near waterways and flood-vulnerable regions.

Officials have called on residents in dangerous areas to stay alert and heed official warnings, cautioning that situations may deteriorate further if heavy precipitation persists.