Safe Driving Through Flooded Roads in Kenya

How to Safely Drive Through Flooded Roads in Kenya

Kenya’s roads can be a delight to drive on, with stunning landscapes and vibrant towns dotting your route. But during rainy seasons, navigating flooded roads becomes a critical challenge for drivers. With regions across the country prone to heavy seasonal downpours, knowing how to safely drive through flooded roads is essential, particularly for Kenyan drivers.

This guide covers actionable steps for safe driving to protect yourself, your passengers, and your vehicle when roads turn into rivers.

Understanding Floods in Kenya

Flooding in Kenya is largely influenced by the rainy seasons and its geographic diversity. The country experiences two primary rainy periods— the “long rains” from March to May, and the “short rains” between October and December. During these months, areas such as Budalangi in Busia County and parts of Narok and Nairobi can experience flash floods that quickly render roads dangerous.

Urban centers like Nairobi have poor urban drainage systems that exacerbate flooding, making even a single afternoon downpour hazardous for drivers. On the other hand, river basins like the Tana River or Nyando area may flood due to upstream rains, affecting roads far from the initial storm.

Understanding the risks of flooding in Kenya should shape how drivers plan their journeys, particularly if you’re headed toward these high-risk areas.

Preparing for the Journey

Safe driving on flooded roads starts long before you’re behind the wheel. Proper preparation could mean the difference between a safe drive and a life-threatening situation.

Check Weather and Flood Alerts

It’s imperative to monitor weather forecasts and flood warnings. Websites like the Kenya Meteorological Department offer regular updates, while mobile apps like AccuWeather can give you real-time notifications. The radio is also a handy source—don’t disregard weather alerts from local stations.

Inspect Your Vehicle

Flood-prone roads demand a properly maintained car. Here are a few essentials to inspect before embarking on your trip:

Tires: Ensure they have enough tread for grip. Worn tires become dangerous on slippery or submerged roads.
Brakes: Check they are working optimally, as they’ll be crucial when navigating water.
Battery & Lights: Flood waters and poor visibility often go hand in hand. A reliable battery and functional headlights are essential.
Doors and Windows: Confirm they seal properly to keep water out.

Keep an emergency kit in your car, including a flashlight, a towrope, a first aid kit, bottled water, and a fully charged phone with emergency contacts pre-programmed.

Driving Through Flooded Roads

The decision to drive through flooded roads shouldn’t be taken lightly. It’s crucial to assess the risks and proceed only when confident you can do so safely.

Assess Water Depth and Safety

Use landmarks, such as curbs or nearby vehicles, to estimate the water’s depth. Most vehicles can tolerate depths up to 15cm (6 inches); any deeper risks stalling your engine.
Watch other vehicles attempt the crossing. If you notice them struggling or floating, do not proceed.

How to Drive Through Floodwater

If you determine it’s safe to cross, follow these steps to minimize risks:

Go Slow: Maintain a steady, slow pace. Driving fast creates waves, which could flood your engine or damage nearby vehicles.
Low Gear & High RPMs: Use a low gear and keep your engine revving slightly higher than usual to prevent water from entering the exhaust.
Avoid Braking Suddenly: Maintain constant motion to sustain traction. Stopping mid-crossing increases the likelihood of water seeping into your car’s engine.
Stick to Center Roads: Flooded roads are often deepest along the edges. Drive near the center where the water is more likely to be shallow.

Always be cautious of hidden dangers under the water, like potholes, open manholes, or debris. Once you’ve crossed, dry your brakes by gently tapping them to push water out and restore effectiveness.

What to Do If You’re Trapped

Even with careful driving, things can go wrong. If your car is overwhelmed by water or starts floating, knowing how to react could save your life.

Stay Calm: Panicking will only make the situation more dangerous.
Exit Immediately: If the water level is rising rapidly, unbuckle your seatbelt, lower your windows, and climb out. Modern electric windows should work for a short period even underwater. If they don’t, use a window-breaking tool to escape.
Signal for Help: Once out, move to higher ground and call emergency services, such as the Kenya Red Cross at 1199 or Police at 999/112.

Remember, material possessions can be replaced—but your life cannot.

Post-Flood Safety Measures

Surviving the drive doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. After driving through floodwaters, your vehicle will need critical attention.

Inspect Your Vehicle

Get your car checked immediately, especially the engine, tires, brakes, and undercarriage, for any water or mud damage.
Change your oil and filter. Floodwaters can contaminate vital fluids.

Report Hazards

Flooding comes with the added risk of damaged infrastructure. Report unsafe roads, open manholes, or any other hazards to local authorities to help prevent further accidents.

Empower Yourself and Others to Stay Safe

Flooded roads in Kenya present a challenge to drivers, but with the right knowledge, preparation, and actions, they don’t have to pose a danger. The steps outlined above will help equip you with essential skills to approach these situations safely.

Have you experienced driving through flooded roads in Kenya? Share your story and additional tips with our community. By working together, we can ensure safety for everyone on the road.