What is the location of the flooding?
As of May 4, 2026, the Kenya floods and landslides are impacting multiple regions across the country during the peak of the March to May rainy season (1).
The disaster spans the Central, Eastern, Coastal, and Rift Valley regions, with significant impacts near major water bodies such as the Tana River and Athi River. Rising water levels in hydroelectric dams and overflow of rivers, particularly the Tana River basin, have intensified the situation.
Landslides have also been reported in counties such as Tharaka Nithi, Elgeyo-Marakwet, and Kiambu, further worsening the impact of heavy rainfall.
Which cities or areas are affected by the flooding?
The flooding has impacted a wide range of cities, counties, and regions across Kenya. The affected areas include:
- Central region
- Coast region
- Eastern region
- Elgeyo-Marakwet
- Kiambu
- Kwale
- Mombasa
- Nairobi
- Rift Valley
- Tana River
- Tharaka Nithi
These areas have experienced flooding, landslides, infrastructure damage, and displacement of households, with Nairobi particularly affected by urban flooding and overwhelmed drainage systems (2).
What is the current containment status of the flooding?
As of May 4, 2026, the flooding remains uncontained, with ongoing heavy rainfall continuing to worsen conditions across affected regions (3).
Authorities report that rivers are still overflowing and additional rainfall is expected over the coming days. Infrastructure damage, including flooded roads, hospitals, and schools, continues to disrupt daily life (4).
Efforts are focused on mitigation and response, including monitoring river levels, repairing damaged infrastructure, and relocating affected populations. However, the situation remains critical due to continued rainfall and saturated ground conditions.
Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?
Authorities have issued multiple alerts and advisories in response to the flooding situation.
- Residents living downstream of the Tana and Athi rivers have been urged to move to higher ground (3).
- The lower Tana River basin has been placed on high alert due to rising water levels.
- Communities in landslide-prone and flood-affected areas have been warned to exercise caution.
Additionally, thousands of people have already been displaced, particularly in the Rift Valley region, where mudslides have forced evacuations. Emergency response teams continue to monitor conditions and provide support to affected communities (5).
How can I protect myself from mold after flooding?
It’s important to take steps to prevent mold after a flood.
- Before entering a flooded area, make sure it is safe and free from electrical hazards or structural damage.
- Use protective gear: wear gloves, goggles, and a KN95/FFP2 mask to minimize exposure to mold spores.
- If there is still standing water, remove it as quickly as possible. Use pumps, wet-dry vacuums, or buckets to extract the water.
- Open windows and doors to facilitate air circulation and use fans, dehumidifiers, and HVAC systems to help dry the space. This step is crucial within the first 24-48 hours after flooding to prevent mold growth.
- Remove and discard any items that have been severely damaged by floodwater and cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried. This includes carpets, upholstered furniture, mattresses, and any other porous materials.
- Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces with a detergent or cleaner suitable for mold remediation. Use a solution of 1.5 cups of bleach mixed with one gallon of water to disinfect nonporous surfaces. Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products, as the fumes are toxic.
- Maintain an indoor relative humidity (RH) of 35-50%. High humidity promotes mold growth, so consider using dehumidifiers in damp areas.
- Run a high-performance air purifier for mold, both during and after the mold removal work.
- If the flooding and mold damage are extensive, consider contacting professionals specializing in mold remediation to ensure proper cleanup and restoration.
Remember, mold can pose health risks, so it's important to take these steps promptly and thoroughly. If you experience persistent mold-related health issues or have concerns about extensive mold growth, consult with a medical professional or a mold remediation specialist.
