Heavy rains that began on Friday evening have continued to cause destruction in different parts of the country, with the number of people who have died in the floods rising to 43.
Many families are now dealing with the effects of the disaster as homes, farms, and roads have been destroyed by the fast moving water.
Reports indicate that at least 16 counties have been affected by the floods. In many of these areas, people have been forced to leave their homes after floodwaters swept through villages and towns.
Families are now trying to recover what they can while others are searching for temporary shelter as they wait for the water levels to go down.
In Nairobi, several vehicles were trapped in floodwaters at the Grogon garages after underground parking areas were filled with water.
More than 30 vehicles have remained stranded since Friday, forcing their owners to work with mechanics to remove them from the flooded spaces. Some owners have had to tow their cars to nearby garages where the damage can be checked and repaired.
Many vehicle owners are worried about the repair costs after their cars were soaked in water.
One of the affected owners, Abdala Weke, said the situation has left many people frustrated and unsure about what to do next.
“We are trying to remove them and fix them… many have been damaged. My car is about Ksh90,000,” said an affected owner, Abdala Weke.
Mechanics working in the area say they are doing their best to help vehicle owners recover their cars, although the process is taking time because of the number of vehicles involved. Some vehicles may require major repairs after their engines and electrical systems were affected by water.
Mechanic Wachira Zakayo said repairs could be costly and asked motorists to be patient as they try to assess the damage.
“The cost is high… we tell them pole, they should not blame us because these are acts of God,” he said.
Elsewhere in the city, residents of Hazina estate in South B were also badly affected by flash floods that swept through the area. The rushing water destroyed several houses and washed away personal property belonging to residents. Many families were left without a place to stay after their homes were damaged or completely swept away.
One resident, Angela Penina, said she lost almost everything during the flooding, including basic items needed for her newborn baby.
“I have no place to stay, I have a one-week-old baby and the house has been swept away by water… I don’t have clothes for the baby,” she said.
Similar challenges were reported in Kinoo where some families have not been able to return to their homes because the houses remain surrounded by water.
Residents also said several institutions were affected, including at least five churches and a number of schools that could not operate normally due to the flooding.
“Every year we have a perennial issue of flooding here… today some cannot even worship. Many families are trapped inside their houses,” said Richard Migwi.
Government figures show that the floods have affected more than 10,000 households across the country. At least 4,845 people have been displaced and forced to move to safer areas as authorities continue to monitor the situation.
Many families are now hoping that the rains will reduce so they can begin rebuilding their homes and lives.
