By Joshua Otieno | March 10, 2026
Government Spokesperson Hon. (Dr.) Isaac Mwaura has clarified concerns surrounding the ongoing discussions about activities in Karura Forest, noting that several reports circulating in public platforms are misleading and exaggerate the situation.
Speaking during the weekly government press briefing held at the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) in Mombasa County, Dr. Mwaura explained that the section of land in question measures only three acres and is already part of the existing Tree Biotechnology Programme Trust (TBPT) nursery.
He emphasized that the land is not newly allocated forest land and that the exercise currently underway involves renovation and upgrading of existing facilities within the nursery. According to the spokesperson, the activity does not involve any new clearing of forest land, as the area had previously been set aside for the tree nursery programme.
Dr. Mwaura reiterated that the government remains committed to environmental conservation and sustainable management of forest resources, urging the public to rely on verified information regarding the matter.
During the briefing, the Government Spokesperson also provided an update on the flood situation following the heavy rains experienced on March 6 and 7, 2026.
According to Dr. Mwaura, 49 people have lost their lives as a result of the floods, while four people remain missing and four others sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment in hospital.
He noted that Nairobi recorded the highest number of fatalities with 27 deaths, followed by the Eastern region with 11 deaths and the Rift Valley region with five deaths, while the Coast and Nyanza regions recorded one death each.
The floods have also displaced more than 9,033 households across the country, with Nairobi recording 5,260 displaced households and the Rift Valley region reporting 2,538 households.
Counties affected by the floods include Tana River, Kilifi, Kwale, Taita Taveta, Narok, Baringo, Nandi, Makueni, Kitui, Tharaka Nithi, Marsabit, Meru, Kiambu, Kisumu, Kisii, Homa Bay, Migori, Wajir and Nairobi.
The Kenya Meteorological Department has further warned that isolated heavy rainfall is expected between March 10 and March 16, particularly in the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley region, the South Eastern lowlands and the South Coast.
Dr. Mwaura also cautioned that water levels at Nairobi River are rising, urging residents living downstream to remain vigilant as a technical assessment of the dam is currently underway.
To support affected communities, the Government has announced that it will cover mortuary fees and funeral expenses for victims who lost their lives due to the floods.
He added that rescue and response operations are ongoing through a coordinated multi-agency approach involving the Kenya Coast Guard Service, the Kenya Red Cross Society and the National Disaster Operations Centre, working together with county governments and humanitarian partners.
Members of the public have also been advised to move to higher ground if water levels rise, avoid flooded roads, report fallen power lines to Kenya Power, boil or treat drinking water, and maintain proper hygiene to prevent disease outbreaks.
Residents requiring emergency assistance have been urged to use official hotlines including the National Disaster Operations Centre (0800-721-571), Kenya Red Cross (1199), Nairobi City County emergency line (020-222-2181), St John Ambulance Kenya (0800-722-540) and the Ministry of Health emergency line (719 or 0732-353535).
The Government has assured the public that it will continue monitoring the situation closely and coordinating response efforts to safeguard lives and support affected communities as heavy rains continue in several parts of the country.
