Heavy rains on the evening of Sunday, May 11, 2025, led to widespread flooding in Nairobi’s Central Business District, leaving pedestrians and motorists struggling through waterlogged streets. The deluge, coupled with strong winds, created hazardous conditions and forced early closure of some businesses. Vehicles stalled on roads such as Mama Ngina Street, while other motorists remained stranded in their cars across the city.
In Parklands and other affected areas, fast-moving floodwaters made driving and commuting difficult. This came just days after the Kenya Meteorological Department issued a weather alert warning of isolated but intense rainfall and temperature fluctuations across various regions from May 6 to 12.
The department identified the Central Highlands, Western Kenya, Lake Victoria Basin, and parts of the Rift Valley and Coast as likely to experience heavy rain. Meanwhile, areas like the Coast, North-Eastern, and North-Western Kenya were forecasted to endure high daytime temperatures above 30°C, with some parts of the Central Highlands expecting nighttime lows below 10°C.
The advisory is part of ongoing efforts to keep the public informed during the long rains season, which has shown unpredictable and uneven rainfall patterns. Authorities urge communities, especially those in flood-prone zones, to stay updated on forecasts and follow safety precautions as extreme weather events continue to impact daily life.