The Nairobi county government has initiated a Sh2.4 billion flood-mitigation programme to prepare for the impending El Niño rains. The programme involves desilting rivers, expanding drainage capacity, and mobilising a multi-agency response team. This move comes as the capital braces for the expected heavy rains. Governor Johnson Sakaja announced the plan during an appearance before the Senate Committee on National Security.
The county has identified 13 major flood hotspots where interventions are being prioritised. These areas will be targeted for urgent flood-mitigation measures, including construction of outfall drains and clearing blocked drainage channels. The county is working with key state agencies, including the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (Kura), Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA), Kenya Red Cross, and the Nairobi Rivers Commission.
Governor Sakaja attributed the flooding challenges in Nairobi to the city's drainage system, which was designed for a population of half a million people. He noted that the current system is inadequate, citing an example of a 0.35-litre drain needing a 1.2-litre drain. The county has secured Sh2.4 billion to increase the capacity of Nairobi's drainage system, with the first projects already awarded and contractors expected to move to site soon.
The county is taking a multi-agency approach to address flooding, particularly along major roads such as Mombasa Road and Kangundo Road. This approach aims to eliminate the blame game that usually follows flooding, with different levels of government sharing responsibilities for roads and drainage. Sakaja emphasised the importance of collaboration, stating that the county will work together with national agencies to prepare for the rains.
Nairobi's three major rivers — Mathare, Ngong, and Nairobi — pose a particular challenge due to the city being built around their floodplains. The county is stepping up the clearing and desilting of rivers, with teams working at several sites across the city. Sakaja warned that attempts to block or narrow natural waterways would only worsen flooding, emphasising the need to work with nature.
The county has deployed its Green Army teams to unclog drainage systems and remove silt and waste from waterways ahead of the rains. An emergency operations centre and a dedicated emergency hotline, 1508, have been established for residents to report incidents. The county has identified 27 drop-off points and shelters for residents who may need to be evacuated. Sakaja noted that lessons have been learnt from previous floods, particularly the need to provide clear evacuation instructions.
The county is targeting developments that have interfered with natural waterways, particularly in areas where walls and other structures have narrowed river channels. Some residents living along riparian areas have already moved to safer locations, while others are being warned to heed government advisories. A joint communication strategy is being prepared with the Kenya Red Cross and national government agencies to ensure consistent warnings before and during the rains.
Key points
- The county has secured Sh2.4 billion to increase the capacity of Nairobi's drainage system.
- 13 major flood hotspots have been identified for urgent flood-mitigation measures.
- A multi-agency approach has been adopted to address flooding in Nairobi.
