Heavy rains have left families homeless, swept away livestock and disrupted transport in Tana River and Turkana counties as downpours continue to cause destruction in parts of the country.
In Kote village, Tana River County, residents are counting losses after floods swept away livestock, destroyed homes and washed away household belongings following heavy rainfall that began on Friday night, November 13, 2026 and continued into Saturday morning, November 14, 2026.
Three families lost their homes, while more than 200 head of livestock were reportedly swept away by the raging waters.
Abdinoor Hassan, a resident of Kote, said his livestock had been severely affected, leaving him with only a few animals after efforts to rescue them.
“Livestock ilikuwa 303 saa hii ile kitu ambaye wenzetu wamekuja kutusaidia na kutuokolea ni mbuzi 20, 23, 24,” he said, describing the scale of his losses.
Another resident, Abdi Chure, said the floods destroyed household items, leaving his family with almost nothing.
“Vyakula na nguo na sufuria na yote alienda. Sasa hakuna chochote ambaye tumebaki nayo kwa Mungu ni mbuzi tu hiyo pekee yake,” he said, appealing to the government and well-wishers for urgent assistance.
The flooding has also disrupted transport, with roads submerged and travellers struggling to reach their destinations.
Madogo ward representative Juma Dido said it took him several hours to reach the affected area because flooded roads were impassable, even for a police vehicle accompanying him.
In Turkana County, more than 100 families have also reportedly been left homeless after floodwaters inundated houses, while several roads were damaged by the heavy rainfall.
The disruption has affected essential services, with police officers experiencing difficulties transporting Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination papers through flooded sections of roads.
The developments highlight the growing impact of heavy rainfall on households, livestock keepers and transport networks in affected regions.
The Kenya Meteorological Department has warned that heavy to very heavy rainfall could affect several parts of the country, including the Lake Victoria Basin, Western Kenya, the Rift Valley, Central Kenya and northern regions.
In a forecast issued on Thursday, November 12, 2026, the department cautioned residents, particularly those in flood-prone areas, to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions.
Residents have been urged to avoid crossing flooded roads and swollen rivers, while motorists should exercise caution when travelling during heavy downpours.
The department has encouraged Kenyans to monitor official weather updates as rainfall intensity varies across different regions.
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