Heavy Rains Paralyse Mombasa Road Near JKIA as Traffic Builds Up Toward CBD

Heavy rains, which began early on Friday, May 1, 2026, have caused serious flooding along Mombasa Road near Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), leading to major traffic congestion toward Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD).

According to images seen by Hivileo Media, large sections of the road have been covered in water, with some lanes almost impassable.

Vehicles were forced to move very slowly through the flooded areas, while some motorists abandoned their cars and continued on foot as traffic stretched for several kilometres.

Motorists Stranded as Flooding Hits Mombasa Road Near JKIA

Many drivers reported being stranded for hours as congestion continued to build up.

The worst-hit areas include City Cabanas, the Standard Group area, and near Eka Hotel. According to images seen by Hivileo Media, floodwaters appeared to be flowing from nearby areas into the highway, worsening the situation.

The Kenya Red Cross said water levels had risen along Mombasa Road and the Eastern Bypass following the heavy rains.

Also Read: Kenya Met Lists Areas Expected to Receive Heavy Rainfall in Early May Amid Flooding Concerns

In Mukuru kwa Njenga, there were unconfirmed reports of missing persons and families trapped in their homes, with emergency teams dispatched to assess the situation and offer help.

Flooding was also reported in other parts of Nairobi and beyond. Along Lang’ata Road near T-Mall, a vehicle was trapped in a ditch due to flash floods, but all the occupants were safely rescued.

In Kajiado County, three people who had been trapped in a lorry along Magadi Road after the Kandisi River overflowed were also rescued.

Flash floods were also reported in Moyale, Marsabit County.

Authorities have warned motorists to exercise caution, avoid flooded roads, and use alternative routes where possible.

Residents living in low-lying and flood-prone areas have also been advised to move to safer ground as emergency teams remain on standby for further response.

“We remain on standby for possible search and rescue operations,” said Kenya Red Cross.

Kenya Met Warns of Heavy Rain, Flooding Risks and Strong Coastal Winds

Earlier, the Kenya Meteorological Service had warned of heavy rainfall and possible flooding across several parts of the country.

Also Read: Nairobi Expressway Opens for Free for Two Hours Amid Flooding on Mombasa Road

In an advisory issued on April 24 and valid until May 1, the weather agency said some areas, including Nairobi and the Central Highlands, were likely to receive more than 20mm of rainfall.

The advisory also warned of strong winds and rising water levels in rivers, even in areas not directly receiving heavy rain. There was also a risk of flash floods, poor visibility, and landslides in hilly regions such as the Aberdare ranges and Mt. Kenya.

At the Coast, wave heights were expected to rise above two metres, posing danger to marine activities.

Residents were advised to avoid walking or driving through flooded areas, stay away from rivers, and remain cautious in low-lying and landslide-prone areas.

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