Andrew Kibe: Nairobi has always been a swamp; when it rains, it floods
By Paulette Mboga, March 7, 2026Former radio host Andrew Kibe has weighed in on the recent flooding in Nairobi, saying the situation is not new.
In a statement shared online on Saturday, March 7, 2026, Kibe said the city has historically experienced flooding whenever it rains heavily.
“Nairobi has always been a swamp; floods are nothing new,” he said.
Kibe argued that residents should not be surprised when floods occur after heavy rainfall. According to him, the situation has existed for a long time and should be understood in that context.
“Nairobi has always been a swamp. When it rains, it floods lakini watu wa ocha hawawezi elewa ni kulia tu kwa timeline kaa ma chizzy. Be easy!” he said.
His remarks came as authorities released updates on the impact of the heavy rains across the city. The National Police Service confirmed casualties and rescue operations following the widespread flooding that disrupted several parts of Nairobi.
Update on flooding in Nairobi
In a statement released on Saturday, March 7, 2026, the National Police Service gave details about the situation after the overnight rainfall.
“The National Police Service wishes to update the public on the ongoing search and rescue operations following the heavy overnight rainfall, which has caused widespread flooding and disruption across various parts of Nairobi,” NPS said.
Police confirmed that the floods have caused deaths and affected many residents.
“The torrential rains have led to significant flooding, unfortunately resulting in 23 fatalities so far, the destruction of property, road closures, and the displacement of residents,” NPS added.
Authorities also reported that several people had been rescued from flooded areas as the operations continued. According to the police, at least twenty-nine people were successfully rescued from different locations across the city.
The flooding has affected multiple neighbourhoods within the Nairobi Metropolitan area. Police identified several estates that experienced the greatest impact from the heavy rains.
According to the update, the most affected areas include Mukuru, Kibra, Mathare, Huruma, South B and C, Pipeline/Embakasi, Roysambu, Kahawa West, Githurai, and parts of Westlands. Residents in these areas experienced flooding, damaged property, and road closures.
Search and rescue teams continue to respond to the situation as authorities assess the damage caused by the rains. The police urged residents to remain cautious as efforts to assist affected communities and restore normalcy continue across the city.
Ruto’s directive
Reacting to the flooding situation, President William Ruto announced that the government will pay hospital bills of those injured or affected by the flooding and are currently receiving treatment in public health facilities.
Ruto also issued a directive for the immediate deployment of a multi-agency emergency response team led by the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, working closely with the Kenya Defence Forces and other emergency response agencies.
The team will coordinate rescue efforts, support affected communities, and ensure that those in danger are moved to safer locations.