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Catastrophe

What can Rwanda teach Kenya about flood control?

Michael Oti
March 10, 2026

Flash floods have killed at least 43 people across 16 counties in Kenya, leaving neighborhoods underwater and thousands displaced. But just across the border, Rwanda has dramatically reduced flooding in its capital.

https://p.dw.com/p/5A7au

More than 40 people have died in Kenya after days of relentless rain. Dramatic scenes show helicopters airlifting people from game reserves, and thousands of families are suddenly left homeless.

But here’s the surprising part: Just a few hundred kilometers away, Rwanda has managed to sharply reduce flooding in its capital, Kigali — a city once notorious for deadly floods.
So, what lessons can Kigali teach Nairobi?
 

DW's Editor Michael Oti
Michael Oti Author, Presenter and Editor at DW's Programs for Africa