Heavy Rains Wreak Havoc in Mombasa, Forcing Families Out

Heavy rains have flooded residential areas across Mombasa County, forcing families from their homes and cutting off access to hospitals. The Kenya Meteorological Department warns that more intense rainfall is forecast through April 27, 2026.

Neighbourhoods in Junda, Kisauni, Likoni and Ziwa la Ng’ombe in Nyali are among the worst affected. Residents say floodwaters have submerged roads and homes. Some families have already relocated.

Mombasa Flooding 2026 Forces Families to Flee Junda

“From yesterday until today, people have nowhere to stay,” said Asiya Chingo, a Junda resident. “This rain brings cholera, bilharzia, and other waterborne diseases. Children are suffering from diarrhea.”

in addition, Chingo urged the county government to install drainage channels and culverts to drain water away from residential areas.

Baresa Soita, a Junda Ng’ombeni resident, said the floodwaters had already driven neighbours out. “People are moving. Our elected leaders do not want to look at us,” Soita said. “We are asking the county to come and help us. The water is everywhere inside.”

Meanwhile, Soita added that some residents did not know where they would sleep as more rain was expected.

Businesses Paralysed and Hospital Access Blocked in Nyali

In Ziwa la Ng’ombe, Nyali, residents described a problem stretching back many years. Peter Kung’u Nyambura said flooding regularly cut off a nearby hospital.

“Mothers taking children to the clinic suffer. Doctors face difficulties entering to serve patients,” Nyambura said. “This problem is chronic and has been around for a long time.”

Florence Dhahabu, who has lived in Ziwa la Ng’ombe for 25 years, said the flooding had made it impossible to rent homes or run businesses. “Every rainy season, a problem like this occurs,” Dhahabu said. “No one will agree to enter a flooded house.”

Meanwhile, Faith Wandera, a trader in the same area, said stall owners could not move stock. She added that reaching a hospital in a flood emergency was itself a health risk. “You cannot go to treat one disease and add another disease on top,” Wandera said.

Residents across both areas called the flooding a perennial crisis. They urged county leaders to provide permanent drainage as a matter of urgency.

Met Department Issues Coastal Flood Warning Through April 27

The Kenya Meteorological Department issued Heavy Rainfall Advisory No. 04/2026 on April 21, 2026. It warns of rainfall accumulations exceeding 20mm in 24 hours along the Coast between April 22 and April 27.

The advisory also warns of gusty winds exceeding 25 knots and sea waves reaching more than two metres. Mombasa County is among the named areas of concern, alongside Kwale, Kilifi, Tana River, and Lamu.

As a result, The department urges residents to avoid driving or walking through moving water. It also advises people to take precautions during maritime activities and to stay away from open fields during lightning.