Kenya Airways has announced further delays in outbound flights due to staff being caught up in heavy traffic caused by ongoing heavy rains in Nairobi.

The delays raise the possibility of flight cancellations, adding to the challenges faced by the national carrier, which is already operating at constrained capacity.

"Due to the adverse weather conditions and resulting traffic congestion in Nairobi, some of our departures from the city may experience extended delays. Affected passengers will be duly notified via email or text message," the carrier stated on Thursday.

This development compounds the existing woes of the airline, which has been contending with a series of flight cancellations, further straining its operational viability.

Notably, KQ Flight 488 bound for Dar es Salaam on Monday night was cancelled, necessitating the accommodation of affected passengers in nearby hotels.

These disruptions mark a continuation of challenges stemming from adverse weather conditions experienced at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) last week, which resulted in flight diversions and delayed arrivals, exacerbating operational inefficiencies for the airline.

Kenya Airways, in a recent statement, acknowledged the likelihood of service interruptions persisting until the week's conclusion.

Compounding these issues is Kenya Airways' fleet limitations, where any disruption reverberates significantly across its operations, highlighting the airline's vulnerability to unforeseen setbacks. By Gerald Andae, Business Daily Africa

Nelson Mandela mural in Easton (Image: Olasart.com)/Photo Courtesy

The Bristol South African community held a block party to commemorate the day. A new mural of Nelson Mandela has been completed in Bristol to mark 30 years since the end of the apartheid in South Africa. Artist, Nick Halahan, was commissioned to paint the portrait of the iconic leader, who spent decades in prison before becoming the country’s first Black leader in 1994.

The mural is located at the Pickle Factory in Easton. The building on All Hallows Road is open at selected times for community and private hire events but otherwise the mural remains behind a locked gate.

The work was completed on Saturday, April 27- known as ‘Freedom Day’ in South Africa. Sisanda Myataza, the lead curator for the event and mural, said: “I'm so proud that people in Bristol and across the globe still recognise Mandela as the iconic role model that he was.

"I believe that he was an exceptional example of grace, forgiveness, and an evolved human spirit. When I asked Nick Halahan to paint a mural during our Freedom Day bloc party, he was over the moon. I couldn't have asked for a better artist to work with, he was the perfect person for the job.

“April 27 is marked as Freedom Day annually in South Africa and it was incredible to be able to celebrate the 30th anniversary here in Bristol. We served South African traditional foods, Chakalaka, Samp and Beans plus boerewors. I overheard a few South Africans in attendance exclaim, "oh wow- A taste of home!" And I knew at that moment that we had achieved our goal. Freedom and Liberty should be a right for all."

Nelson Mandela was an activist in the South African anti-apartheid movement and become the country's first Black head of state after spending 27 years in prison for his activism. The South African apartheid, which ended in 1994, involved discrimination against black people and racial segregation enforced by an all-white government.

The anti-apartheid movement was global and Bristol was considered be home to one of the most active groups in the UK with 1,000 members at its height. Activists in Bristol created apartheid free zones for shopping as part of the campaign to boycott South African products at the time. By Yvonne Deeney Community Reporter, Bristol Live

A search and rescue operation was underway Wednesday for tourists stranded by floodwaters in over 14 tourist camps in Talek, Narok County.

The Talek River overflowed due to days of heavy rainfall, locals said.

Joint efforts by the National and County Government of Narok, the Mara Elephant Project, and locals led to the evacuation of 61 people.

Among them, 36 were airlifted to safety, while 25 were rescued by an aqua team.

The Kenya Red Cross said swept-away camps and tents, with the Mara Bridge connecting the Mara Triangle and Greater Mara washed away.

Narok County Commissioner Kipkech Lotiatia stated that the reserve sustained significant damage. While water levels have receded, some lodges and camps remain submerged.

The exact number of trapped individuals is yet to be determined.

The ongoing heavy rainfall, linked to the El Niño weather pattern, has caused river and sewer overflow, resulting in extensive infrastructure damage and property loss nationwide. By Laban Wanambisi, Capital News

Pope Francis has expressed solidarity with Kenya as floods wreak havoc, claiming numerous lives.

Flash floods have claimed over 130 lives since March, displacing more than 130,000 people.

The Mai Mahiu flood tragedy that occurred on Tuesday alone accounted for 70 fatalities.

In a message shared on social media, the Pope stated, “I am spiritually close to the people of #Kenya at this time when severe floods have claimed many lives and destroyed vast areas. Let us Pray Together for all those who suffer the effects of this natural disaster.”

The Kenya Meteorological Department warns of prolonged heavy rains throughout May, raising concerns of further devastation.

Attributed to the El Niño weather phenomenon, excessive rainfall has caused rivers and sewers to overflow, leading to widespread destruction of homes and infrastructure.

President William Ruto, visiting the Mai Mahiu tragedy site, directed residents in riparian areas nationwide to evacuate to avoid disaster. Nairobi, the Coastal region, Rift Valley, Central, and parts of Nyanza are among the worst-hit areas.

In Nairobi’s slum areas like Mukuru and Mathare, houses have been washed away, leaving many residents homeless. Efforts by rescue teams have been ongoing, with some residents trapped on their rooftops.

Meteorologists predict continued near-average to above-average rainfall in several regions, with occasional thunderstorms anticipated.

Coastal areas like Mombasa, Kilifi, Lamu, Kwale, and parts of Tana River are expected to experience heavy rainfall, with May marking the peak of the Long Rains season.

Neighbouring countries like Tanzania, Burundi, and Uganda have also been affected, with significant displacements and casualties reported.

El Niño, a naturally occurring climate pattern, has led to increased precipitation, causing floods and landslides in some areas while inducing drought in others.

The UN’s World Meteorological Organization identifies this El Niño as one of the five strongest on record, underscoring its global impact. Capital News