The Nairobi Rivers Commission has stepped up efforts to unclog drainage systems and clear waterways across the city as authorities prepare for the anticipated El Niño rains. Commissioner Mumo Musuva stated that drainage clearance was underway in several parts of the capital as agencies work to reduce the risk of flooding. The exercise aims to mitigate the impact of the impending El Niño rains.
The unclogging exercise is being carried out in various areas, including Westlands, Eastlands, and Northern areas. In Westlands, works are ongoing along Woodvale Grove, Mpaka Road, and First Parklands areas. In Eastlands, teams are working along Kangundo Road at Dr Mwenje Secondary School and Nairobi River Primary School. The exercise has also been extended to other areas, including Starehe and the Red Cross area in South C ward.
The Nairobi Rivers Commission is also working to address the risks posed by the Nairobi Dam, which has been severely compromised by years of neglect. Musuva stated that records show that the dam was last maintained in 1998. The dam is facing serious challenges from encroachment, waste, and poor maintenance, with 80% of the dam covered in floating waste, affecting hydrological flows.
The Water Resources Authority, Nairobi Rivers Commission, and Nairobi County Government are working together to restore the capital's environment and reduce the risk of flooding. The dam, constructed in 1953 for recreation and flood control along the Ngong River, has been degraded by sewage discharge, encroachment, and informal settlements. Authorities have opted for rehabilitation as part of wider efforts to revive Nairobi's environment.
Governor Johnson Sakaja stated that the county has stepped up preparations for the expected El Niño rains by deploying more earth-moving equipment to flood hotspots and intensifying the widening, deepening, and desilting of drainage channels. Sakaja inspected works along the critical drainage corridor from the KIRDI/Bellevue axis to the main outfall along Mombasa Road, where multi-agency teams are working to improve stormwater flow.
The county government has identified 227 flood hotspots across Nairobi's 17 sub-counties, with five sub-committees established to coordinate infrastructure and drainage, emergency response and evacuation, shelter and relief, security and traffic, and communication. The preparedness programme is backed by Sh2.4 billion in flood-mitigation works, including Sh2 billion for drainage improvements on 19 flood-prone roads, with tenders already awarded.
Authorities are urging residents living in riparian and other flood-prone areas to heed advice to relocate to safer areas. An Emergency Operations Centre and hotline 1508 have been activated for residents to report emergencies. The governor emphasized that teams will remain fully deployed to ensure readiness and protect lives and property.
Key points
- The Nairobi Rivers Commission is working to clear flood hotspots and unclog drainage systems ahead of the anticipated El Niño rains.
- The county government has identified 227 flood hotspots across Nairobi's 17 sub-counties.
- The preparedness programme is backed by Sh2.4 billion in flood-mitigation works.
