Motorists were left stranded on the night of Sunday, March 25, after floods descended on Nairobi city affecting several roads and train schedules.
Videos that went viral on social overnight showed several roads affected with cars submerged in floods across the city.
The affected highways included; Mombasa Road, Uhuru Highway, Waiyaki Way, and Lang'ata Road and practically the whole of the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD). Eastlands area was also covered in floods.
So severe was the flooding that a number of commuter trains operating across the city suffered delays as a majority of the roads were affected.
"We wish to notify members of the public that we are experiencing delays with the Commuter Service due to flooding on sections of our line," cautioned Kenya Railways.
"Our teams are working to restore normalcy. We will advise once normal services resume. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused."
A video clip showed the Nairobi Expressway covered in knee-level flooding affecting the movement of vehicles but luckily, guides were deployed almost immediately.
"I forgot my boat for the Nairobi Expressway," joked Larry Madowo.
Taking Caution
The Kenya Red Cross has advised motorists and pedestrians to take precautions and ensure that they survive the season.
For instance, individuals must evacuate immediately and move to higher ground when floods hit since six inches of moving water can knock people down.
Also, a foot of moving water is capable of sweeping a car away.
The Red Cross, therefore, asked individuals to ensure that they switch off electricity at the main switch in case the house gets flooded and avoid power lines in case there is flooding. Driving in flooded waters is also dangerous.
Forecast
The Kenya Meteorological Department cautioned Nairobi residents and those of 29 other counties that the heavy rainfall would be experienced in the coming days.
In its weekly forecast on Sunday, March 24, Kenya Met revealed that the 30 counties will experience between moderate and heavy rainfall and asked residents in the regions to stay safe.
"Nairobi City County Rainfall Forecast: Moderate to heavy rainfall likely over several parts of the city. Stay prepared and stay safe!" Cautioned the department.
The counties were divided into three regions including the highlands west of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, and the Rift Valley as well as the highlands east of the Rift Valley and the south-eastern lowlands.
