Nairobi County has intensified measures to contain possible flooding as heavy rains approach, with Governor Johnson Sakaja directing additional machinery to vulnerable areas and overseeing the expansion of drainage channels across the city. The preparedness programme is being coordinated by Governor Sakaja and brings together the Nairobi County Government, national agencies and humanitarian organisations involved in roads, drainage and emergency response. This joint effort aims to mitigate the impact of the impending heavy rains.
On September 22, 2026, Governor Sakaja inspected drainage works along the KIRDI/Bellevue corridor, extending to the main outfall on Mombasa Road, where teams drawn from several agencies are removing silt, widening channels and deepening waterways to improve the passage of stormwater. More earth-moving equipment has also been moved to areas considered flood hotspots as the county seeks to complete key mitigation works before the rains arrive. The exercise is being carried out through a joint operation involving different agencies.
The joint operation involves teams working to open up drainage routes, clear obstructions and increase the capacity of channels in areas that are prone to flooding. Governor Sakaja stated that the county's approach was to deal with known risks in advance instead of waiting for flooding to occur before taking action. He emphasized the importance of being proactive and addressing the challenges that lie ahead.
Governor Sakaja has appealed to residents living in riparian areas to move to safer locations as a precaution against flooding. He said a number of residents had already responded to the call to leave areas at risk, but urged those who remained to take the warning seriously. The governor's appeal aims to prevent loss of life and property during flooding.
The county's response plan will operate under a “One County, One Plan, One Command” framework, which will bring the agencies involved in preparedness and emergency response together under a coordinated system. This framework will allow the county to optimise the resources available and guarantee the safety and well-being of Nairobians and their property.
Nairobi has also put in place an Emergency Operations Centre to coordinate responses to emergencies and established a dedicated hotline, 1508, where residents can report flooding and other incidents. The county has identified 27 drop-off points and shelters that can be used if evacuation becomes necessary and residents in affected areas have to be moved to safer locations.
A four-day simulation exercise involving multiple agencies is scheduled for later this month to test the city's emergency response arrangements. The exercise will bring together the County Government, National Government and other agencies responsible for disaster preparedness and response. Governor Sakaja stated that teams would remain deployed across the identified areas as the county works to finish the mitigation measures before the rains.
Key points
- Nairobi County Government has intensified measures to contain possible flooding as heavy rains approach.
- The preparedness programme is being coordinated by Governor Johnson Sakaja and brings together the Nairobi County Government, national agencies and humanitarian organisations.
- The county's response plan will operate under a “One County, One Plan, One Command” framework.
