The torrential rains that have been pounding the coastal region overnight have rendered road linking Bamburi and Bombolulu impassable.
Residents of Nyali and Kisauni have been left counting losses after submerged homes, disrupted businesses, and turned major roads into rivers.
The situation has been particularly dire along the key road linking Bamburi and Bombolulu, which has been rendered completely impassable, stranding motorists and commuters for hours.
Eyewitnesses reported that the heavy downpour, which began late yesterday evening and continued into the early hours, overwhelmed drainage systems in low-lying areas of Nyali and Kisauni.
Several residential estates woke up to knee-deep water inside living rooms, with household items floating in the flood.
In Kisauni, families were seen wading through murky waters carrying children and valuables as they sought higher ground. “The water came so fast. By 2 a.m., it was already inside the house,” said a resident of Nyali who declined to be named.
“We have lost furniture, electronics, and food supplies. This is not the first time, but every time it feels worse.” The Bamburi-Bombolulu link road, a vital artery for daily commuters and goods transport, was among the worst hit.
Motorists described scenes of vehicles stalled in chest-high water, forcing some drivers to abandon their cars. Public transport operators reported suspending services along the route, leaving thousands of residents unable to reach workplaces or schools.
Local traders in the affected areas also suffered setbacks, with small businesses reporting stock damage from the rising waters.
In Bamburi, several informal settlements experienced similar flooding, compounding challenges for vulnerable families.
Mombasa County authorities have acknowledged the flooding but noted that proactive measures, including recent drainage upgrades, helped limit the scale of destruction compared to previous seasons.
Emergency response teams have been deployed to clear blocked drains and assist stranded residents. The Kenya Red Cross and local volunteers are distributing relief items such as food, clean water, and mattresses to the most affected households.
The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a warning for continued heavy rains in the coming days, particularly in coastal regions including Jomvu, Kisauni, and Nyali sub-counties.
Residents have been urged to avoid low-lying areas, not to drive through flooded roads, and to stay tuned to official updates.
This latest episode of flooding comes despite ongoing county efforts to improve infrastructure and resilience against climate-driven weather events.
County officials say they are assessing the damage and will prioritize long-term solutions such as desilting of major drainage channels and clearing of illegal structures along waterways.
As waters slowly recede, many families in Nyali, Kisauni, Bamburi, and Bombolulu are left hoping that this will be the last major flood of the season.
For now, the focus remains on recovery and ensuring no lives are lost to the unforgiving rains.
