Politician and businesswoman Agnes Kagure has spoken out after at least 23 people died following heavy flooding in Nairobi caused by intense rainfall on Friday evening.
The sudden downpour left many residents stranded as floodwaters rose quickly across different parts of the city. Roads became impassable, vehicles were swept away, and several neighborhoods experienced serious destruction before rescue teams could reach those in danger.
The heavy rains turned many streets into rivers within a short time. Residents in several areas watched water rush through homes, shops, and small businesses located in low-lying zones. Some traders were forced to close their businesses immediately as floodwater entered buildings and damaged goods.
For many people who depend on daily business to survive, the flooding meant losing their income in a single night.
Authorities reported that most of the victims died after being swept away by strong floodwaters.
Others reportedly lost their lives due to electrocution after water came into contact with exposed electrical connections during the flooding. Rescue teams, including the military and other emergency responders, worked through the night to help stranded residents and open blocked roads, but the damage had already spread across several parts of the city.
In a Facebook post, Kagure expressed sympathy to families who lost their loved ones. She said it was painful to see people lose their lives in a disaster that could have been prevented. According to her, no one should die simply because leaders failed to prepare for rains that are expected every year.
People climb on top of their cars after heavy rains flooded roads in Nairobi, Kenya, on Friday, March 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Andrew Kasuku)
Kagure pointed out that flooding during the rainy season has become a repeated pattern in Nairobi. Every time heavy rains fall, several areas get flooded, residents lose property, and the same explanations from authorities follow.
She noted that promises are often made to fix the drainage systems, yet many of those promises do not lead to real change on the ground.
She also questioned how the Nairobi City County Government uses funds allocated for infrastructure development.
According to her, the county receives significant resources in its budget for projects such as drainage construction and maintenance. However, the same drainage problems continue to appear whenever the city experiences heavy rainfall.
Kagure believes the situation reflects poor planning and weak management of resources. She argued that with better preparation, proper budgeting, and cooperation with private companies and international partners, the city could significantly reduce the impact of floods.
The floods also disrupted normal life in many parts of Nairobi. Traffic stalled for hours as several roads were covered by water. Some motorists were forced to leave their vehicles after water levels rose rapidly around them. Emergency teams continued working to rescue people and assist affected communities.
Residents in areas such as Pipeline and Kware once again faced the double challenge of flooding and lack of safe water. Kagure has previously highlighted the irony that heavy rains, which should help increase water supply, often end up creating more hardship due to poor drainage and water management.
Agnes Kagure said the flooding crisis shows why the city needs leadership that focuses on planning ahead and fixing long-standing infrastructure problems.
She has indicated that if given the chance to lead the county, addressing drainage and flood control will be among her key priorities.
According to her, Nairobi should not continue losing lives and property to rains that come every year, and she believes stronger planning, accountability, and proper use of county resources can help make the city safer for residents.
