Nairobi Governor Sakaja Johnson has commended the teams coordinating the county's El Niño flood preparedness drive, citing collaborative action that has helped address risks in several high-danger zones ahead of the anticipated rains. The governor announced that the county had removed more than 100,000 tonnes of garbage within a single month as part of intensified operations spanning waste collection, drainage clearance, and river restoration along the Nairobi, Mathare, and Ngong rivers.
The county's waste collection efforts, led by the Green Army, have been instrumental in reducing flooding risks in several hotspots where illegal dumping had previously blocked waterways and river channels. According to Sakaja, the Green Army has been cleaning the city, unclogging drainage systems, and collecting and disposing of waste, with an average of approximately 3,200 tonnes of garbage collected daily.
The Governor credited improved coordination between county departments and national agencies for the success of the initiative, saying working together rather than in isolation had delivered better outcomes. He noted that the decision to come together and work as a team had helped achieve a lot, and that the impact of the anticipated El Niño rains had been mitigated through their interventions.
The county's response to the El Niño preparedness drive is structured around six priority areas, including restoring capacity along major waterways, addressing residents in flood-prone zones, and sustained waste management through the Green Army. The plan also leverages Nairobi's six-borough administrative structure to drive community sensitisation on flood safety and emergency procedures.
The fifth pillar of the plan brings together agencies, including the Kenya Urban Roads Authority, Kenya National Highways Authority, Kenya Rural Roads Authority, Kenya Red Cross, and disaster management teams, to coordinate drainage works, evacuations, and rescue operations. The sixth pillar focuses on training and simulation exercises to sharpen emergency response capabilities.
Sakaja acknowledged that preparations remained ongoing, noting that the Kenya Meteorological Department had warned the rains could arrive at any time. He urged Nairobi residents to avoid dumping waste in drainage channels, cooperate with authorities on safety measures, and share responsibility for keeping their surroundings clean.
The Governor warned that irresponsible disposal of waste could erode the gains already made, and that his teams remain on the ground to ensure an effective response to the El Niño rains. With the collaborative efforts of the county and national government teams, Nairobi is better prepared to mitigate the impacts of the anticipated El Niño rains.
Key points
- 100,000 tonnes of garbage collected in one month
- Collaborative efforts between county departments and national agencies delivered better outcomes
- Six-point intervention plan in place to address El Niño preparedness
