The nationwide death toll from the floods that have been witnesses in different parts of the nation has risen to 66 amid heightened rescue operations.

The National Police Service (NPS) said on Sunday that among the fatalities 50 are men, eight are women, and eight are children. 

Nairobi has recorded the highest number of victims, with 33 fatalities followed by the Eastern region with 18 fatalities, and 8 in the Rift Valley region. 

NPS added that four fatalities were recorded in Nyanza region, two in the Coast and one in the Central region.

Additionally, more than two thousand families have been displaced from their homes, while infrastructure and property have also been damaged countrywide. 

Members of the public have been urged to exercise extreme caution and to adhere to updates and safety advisories issued by the Kenya Meteorological Department and other relevant government agencies. 

Figures released previously from the government showed that the floods affected more than 10,000 households, with 4,845 people displaced and forced to seek shelter in safer areas.

In Nairobi, the county government announced a one-month waiver on levies and approvals required for property repair works following the heavy rains and flooding in the capital.

Likewise, the Ministry of Interior has also flagged 37 neighborhoods in the city as flood-prone areas. 

According to the Ministry, a mapping exercise conducted under the Nairobi Rivers Regeneration Programme identified the 37 neighbourhoods located along major river corridors and locations vulnerable to flooding. 

This includes areas that lie downstream along sections of the Nairobi River and its tributaries, those situated upstream and midstream sections of the river network and those along where the river passes. 

President William Ruto has assured Kenyans of government response to emergencies after a heavy downpour on Saturday night left Nairobi City flooded. 

The heavy rains left the city marooned after the overflow of the Nairobi and Ngong rivers. The heavy rains continue to affect several parts across the country, where overflowing rivers and flash floods have been reported. 

In a statement on Sunday, the Head of State said the “government remains fully mobilised to respond.”

“The ongoing heavy rains affecting several parts of our country continue to put lives and livelihoods at risk. My thoughts are with the families and communities that have already been affected during this difficult period,” said Ruto. 

According to the President, a multi-agency response team consisting of emergency services, security agencies, humanitarian teams and technical departments is coordinating efforts and managing the situation effectively in Nairobi and across the country. 

“Relevant agencies are also actively assisting with rescue and evacuation operations, as well as clearing blocked drainage systems and restoring access routes in affected areas,” added Ruto. 

The President also told Kenyans that the National and County governments are working to ensure the safety and protection of all citizens, as emergency food supplies and medical assistance are already being delivered to all people affected by the floods. 

Ruto urged Kenyans to adhere to the guidance issued by relevant authorities, including the Kenya Meteorological Department and the police. 

“These advisories are issued for your safety, and adherence to them will help us protect lives during this challenging period. The government will continue to take every necessary step to safeguard lives, support affected communities, and ensure that no Kenyan faces this challenge alone,” he said. 

Earlier, the Kenya Red Cross Society reported that thirteen people were rescued from the city floods. This includes eleven people who were marooned in a matatu along Bunyala Road and two children trapped inside a house in Kilimani. 

In Nairobi, heavy floods were reported in Parklands, the Central Business District (CBD), University of Nairobi hostels, Ngong Road around Ngando area, Lower Kabete, Kibera, South B, Kawangware, Lang’ata, Lavington, Grogon, Eastleigh and Riruta.