Floodwaters from relentless rain have caused a dam to burst, killing over 40 people in Kenya’s western village of Kamuchiri, 60km from the capital Nairobi on Sunday evening.
17 of those who died are children, according to senior police officials.
Kenyan officials say houses and roads in the village have been washed away after surging waters from heavy rain breached the dam.
Nakuru county governor Susan Kihika said the death toll could be higher for this latest incident.
A search and rescue operation for survivors has been launched amid more rain and floodwaters.
The latest incident adds to the widespread devastation witnessed around Kenya thanks to month-long heavy rains which claimed the lives of hundreds of people around the country.
The opening of schools in Kenya has been postponed until further notice as the authorities deal with an unfolding humanitarian crisis.
It fits into a wider inclement weather pattern in East Africa in recent weeks including in Tanzania where some 200 people have died and Burundi where a similar number also perished due to rising floodwaters.
WN/as/APA