Nairobi floods expose lack of climate-resilient building standards

A car is swept away by raging waters following heavy downpour in Nairobi, on March 7, 2026. Nicholas Biwott, Standard]

Flooding that swept through Nairobi on Friday, March 6, killing 23 people and submerging major roads, has highlighted gaps in the city's drainage infrastructure and building standards.

By March 9, nationwide fatalities had risen to more than 40, with about 30 reported in Nairobi. Low-lying neighbourhoods, including Mukuru and Mathare, were among the worst affected, while more than 70 vehicles were swept away.