One person swept away by floodwaters in Kajiado as rains pound Nairobi, Rift Valley

One person swept away by floodwaters in Kajiado as rains pound Nairobi, Rift Valley - Red Cross official searches Olkaria Village, Kajiado South, after one person was reportedly swept away by floodwaters while crossing a swollen river on October 30. (Photo: Kenya Red Cross/X)

The incident comes as parts of Nairobi experience flooding following recent heavy rainfall, raising concerns about the city's preparedness for the anticipated October-December rainy season.

Search and rescue operations are underway in Baraka, Olkaria Village, Kajiado South, after one person was reportedly swept away by floodwaters while attempting to cross an overflowing river.

The Kenya Red Cross said the incident occurred on the night of October 30, with rescue teams deployed to search for the missing person.

"Search operations are ongoing at Baraka, Olkaria Village in Kajiado South, after one person was reportedly swept away by floodwaters while crossing an overflowing river on the night of 30 October," the organisation said.

It urged members of the public to avoid crossing flooded rivers and roads, warning of the dangers posed by swollen waterways.

The incident comes as parts of Nairobi experience flooding following recent heavy rainfall, raising concerns about the city's preparedness for the anticipated October-December rainy season.

Sections of First Avenue in Parklands near Oshwal School were submerged following morning showers on Saturday, October 31, leaving motorists struggling to navigate the flooded road.

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The Parklands Residents Association questioned the city's readiness for heavier rainfall, saying the road had flooded despite what it described as a relatively small amount of rain.

Flooding was also reported at Githurai Roundabout following overnight rainfall, disrupting movement and leaving motorists and pedestrians struggling to navigate waterlogged sections of the road.

The floodwaters' unforgiving path in Olkaria Village, Kajiado South. (Photo: Kenya Red Cross/X)

The Kenya Meteorological Department's seasonal outlook forecasts enhanced rainfall in more than 40 counties, including Nairobi and Kajiado, with prolonged wet spells and occasional isolated storms expected.

The forecast has heightened concerns over possible flooding, particularly in low-lying areas, river corridors and neighbourhoods with inadequate drainage systems.

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has previously said the county identified 227 flood-prone hotspots across the capital's 17 sub-counties, with approximately 100,000 residents potentially facing displacement under a worst-case flooding scenario.

The county has been undertaking drainage clearance, river desilting and the removal of obstructions from waterways. Sakaja said 26 of 61 critical drainage sites had been cleared, while temporary shelters were being prepared for residents who could be affected.

The county has also outlined measures including mapping flood-prone areas, identifying evacuation centres, inspecting vulnerable infrastructure, strengthening early warning systems and positioning emergency supplies.

At the same time, authorities have urged residents to heed weather advisories, avoid crossing swollen rivers and flooded roads, and move to safer areas when instructed.

The Kenya Red Cross has meanwhile advised anyone requiring emergency assistance to call its toll-free number, 1199.