Overnight rain brought fresh disruption to Nairobi on Saturday. Roads were flooded, and water was reported in shops across parts of the city.

The downpour came as the Kenya Meteorological Department forecast more showers across the capital. Residents shared videos of the aftermath online, showing the difficulties caused by the rising water.

Rainfall Had Been Forecast

Rain had been expected across Nairobi County. In its 24-hour forecast, valid from 9am on Friday, October 30, to 9am on Saturday, October 31, the department projected between 5mm and 20mm in most areas.

Some isolated locations were expected to receive more than 20mm. Thunderstorms were also forecast in parts of the Nairobi metropolitan area.

The forecast covered several neighbourhoods. These included Westlands, Dagoretti, Kibra, Lang’ata, Roysambu, Kasarani, Embakasi and Makadara.

Further rain was expected in several parts of the country. Nairobi was among the areas included in the department’s wider outlook for the short rains season.

Residents Share Flooding Videos

After the rain, footage was shared on X showing flooded roads and waterlogged areas. Some routes were described as difficult or impossible to pass.

Floodwater was also reported to have entered shops. The scenes renewed concerns about how the city handles heavy rainfall.

The latest disruption has brought Nairobi’s drainage systems under renewed scrutiny. Residents have questioned whether existing infrastructure can cope with the short rains.

Concerns have also been raised about wetlands lost to development and the expansion of high-rise buildings. Wetlands can help absorb and store excess water, making their protection an important part of wider flood management.

Questions Over Preparedness

The flooding has prompted fresh questions about preparations for the rainy season. Residents have pointed to previous funding commitments and asked whether enough has been done to reduce the risk.

The Kenya Meteorological Department had forecast showers across the capital. However, the amount of rain received can vary from one neighbourhood to another.

Flooding is also affected by local drainage, land use and the condition of roads. A rainfall forecast alone cannot establish why a particular street or building has flooded.

No detailed breakdown of flood-related damage or injuries was provided in the report. The full impact of Saturday’s rainfall therefore remained unclear.

Calls for Better Urban Planning

The latest flooding has renewed calls for long-term solutions. Better-maintained drains, improved stormwater systems and stronger protection for wetlands have been raised as priorities.

Urban planning has also come under scrutiny as Nairobi continues to grow. Roads, buildings and drainage systems need to be planned together to manage rainwater effectively.

For residents and businesses affected by flooding, the immediate concern is the disruption to daily life. Longer term, the challenge will be to reduce the damage caused by repeated downpours.

More showers were expected in parts of Nairobi during the short rains season. Residents were advised to follow official weather updates and exercise caution on flooded roads.

The question now is whether the city’s drainage and planning systems can keep pace with its growth and the demands of the rainy season.