The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a warning that major parts of the country will experience heavy rainfall from March 17 to March 23, 2026, amid ongoing flooding in Nairobi that has left dozens dead and stranded residents on flooded roads for hours. The warning covers regions including the Lake Victoria Basin, Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, and the Coastal area, with rainfall intensity expected to increase from Thursday. Some Northwestern and Northeastern areas are forecasted to remain relatively dry with occasional showers. The current floods have already caused extensive damage, with the Nairobi River bursting its banks, sweeping away vehicles, and disrupting critical infrastructure including roads, shops, and electricity grids. The heavy rainfall and flooding have put immense pressure on emergency response systems and left many residents seeking immediate assistance.
Veteran comedian and activist Eric Omondi has proposed a solution to help those affected by the floods in Nairobi, drawing attention and praise from netizens. He introduced a boat rescue initiative aimed at assisting residents trapped by rising water levels, sharing a video of himself aboard a white boat branded “Sisi Kwa Sisi” on social media. Omondi also displayed reflector jackets intended for people who board the boat to avoid getting their clothes soaked, emphasizing safety and preparedness. He highlighted that many fatalities occurred not instantly but over several hours while people were trapped, suggesting that timely intervention could have prevented some deaths. Omondi’s initiative aims to provide a rapid response option during emergencies, offering hope for residents navigating the flooded streets of the city.
While the initiative has drawn excitement online, many observers have questioned its practicality given the scale of flooding across Nairobi. The city has experienced widespread waterlogging, affecting neighborhoods, major roads, and public facilities, making it difficult for a single boat to reach everyone in need. Nevertheless, Omondi stressed that the boat could be a critical resource in immediate rescue efforts, providing lifesaving support for those stranded in heavily flooded areas. His approach reflects a creative attempt to address emergency response gaps, highlighting the importance of community-driven solutions during extreme weather events. Public discussion around the plan has also raised awareness about flood preparedness and the need for systematic strategies to protect vulnerable residents.
The ongoing heavy rainfall has underscored the vulnerability of urban infrastructure to climate-related disasters, with Nairobi experiencing unprecedented flooding that has swept away over 70 vehicles and damaged essential services. Authorities continue to monitor weather patterns and advise residents to exercise caution, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas. The flash floods serve as a reminder of the urgent need for improved drainage systems, emergency planning, and proactive disaster management measures. Residents are being urged to follow official advisories and take preventive actions, including relocating to safer areas and avoiding flooded roads. Omondi’s intervention, while symbolic, also highlights how individuals can contribute to relief efforts and complement official emergency services.
Eric Omondi’s “Sisi Kwa Sisi” boat rescue plan provides a novel response to the ongoing flooding in Nairobi amid Kenya’s forecasted heavy rainfall from March 17 to March 23. While questions remain about its ability to address large-scale flooding, the initiative emphasizes the importance of immediate support during emergencies and the potential impact of community-led efforts. Nairobi’s current situation demonstrates the dangers of extreme weather events and the need for both individual and institutional preparedness. Omondi’s plan also reinforces the value of creative solutions in crisis management, offering a lifeline to residents stranded by floods and encouraging public dialogue on disaster response. As Kenya faces continued rainfall, the boat initiative may serve as a small but critical measure to save lives and assist those affected by rising waters.
