Gov’t Announces KSh 200,000 Support for Families After Deadly Nairobi Floods Claim 24 Lives

Families who lost loved ones during the devastating floods in Nairobi are set to receive financial support from the government as they begin the painful process of burying their relatives. Authorities confirmed that each affected family will receive KSh 200,000 to help cover funeral expenses following the tragedy that shocked the city.

The disaster unfolded on March 6 after heavy rains pounded Nairobi for hours, causing rivers and drainage systems to overflow. Floodwaters swept through roads and estates, carrying away vehicles and trapping commuters. By the time the waters subsided, 24 people had lost their lives, while dozens of others were left injured or displaced.

Many of the victims were caught in traffic as water levels rose rapidly. Witnesses described terrifying scenes where passengers struggled to escape vehicles that had turned into traps. Some victims were seen clinging to each other in a desperate attempt to survive before they were overwhelmed by the raging waters.

Authorities also reported that about 70 vehicles were swept away during the floods, leaving many families counting heavy financial losses. Homes and household items were destroyed, forcing some residents to seek temporary shelter as cleanup efforts continued across the city.

To ease the burden on grieving families, the government earlier announced that mortuary and postmortem fees would be waived. However, some families later complained that they were still being asked to pay certain charges.

Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku insisted that no family should be asked for money. He said the government had already started processing assistance for the affected households.

“All families who have lost their loved ones through flooding should not be charged any coin; at the same time, the processing of funeral expenses has started today,” Ruku said.

President William Ruto also ordered a multi-agency response to the disaster. The operation brought together the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), the National Police Service, and the Nairobi County Government to help rescue stranded residents and restore order in the affected areas.

The president further directed that food supplies be distributed to displaced families and promised that the government would cover hospital bills for those injured during the floods.

Beyond the emergency response, Ruto emphasised the need for long-term solutions to prevent similar tragedies in the future. He pointed to the ongoing Nairobi River Regeneration Programme, which aims to improve drainage and restore river channels to reduce the risk of flooding.

Meanwhile, former Nairobi governor Mike Sonko also stepped in to support grieving families. Through the Sonko Rescue Team, he pledged to provide coffins and transport for 27 bodies currently lying in Nairobi morgues.

The initiative is expected to ease the financial pressure on families struggling to give their loved ones a dignified burial as the city continues to recover from one of its deadliest flood disasters in recent years.