Roofs ripped off, trees toppled as storm batters Kisumu
Heavy rains and strong winds in Kisumu, Kenya, have caused significant damage to buildings, billboards, and vehicles. Local authorities are now planning to inspect older structures to ensure they meet safety standards following the destruction.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the vulnerability of urban infrastructure to extreme weather events and the urgent need for stricter building safety regulations in developing cities.
Aftermath of heavy downpour in Kisumu on October 8, 2026/FAITH MATETE Heavy rains accompanied by strong winds pounded Kisumu City on Thursday, damaging buildings, blowing off rooftops and causing billboards to fall, with several vehicles also affected.
Along the Jomo Kenyatta Highway, a billboard was brought down by strong winds, landing on vehicles that were packed nearby, causing destruction.
A rooftop and part of a wall at Jumbo Steel Mills hardware along Obote Road were among the structures damaged after strong winds swept through parts of the city.
Kisumu County Commissioner Ramadhan Mwabudzo said the incident had raised fresh concerns over the safety and structural strength of old buildings, billboards and other structures within the city.
Mwabudzo said most of the affected buildings were old structures surrounded by similar developments, warning landlords and tenants to take precautionary measures as the rainy season intensifies.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in