Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has confirmed that the county government has started evacuating residents in flood-prone areas along Naivasha Road ahead of the El Niño rains. The governor released a statement on Monday, September 28, stating that the county has identified hotspot zones and is urging relevant agencies to focus their mitigation efforts there first. This move aims to protect lives by relocating residents living along major rivers and on riparian land from high-risk areas.
According to Governor Sakaja, many residents have already relocated voluntarily, while those who remain in dangerous areas will be required to move as authorities step up enforcement. The county government, together with its partners, will continue evacuating residents living in high-risk areas along the Mathare, Ngong, and Nairobi rivers. This effort is part of a broader strategy to mitigate the impact of the impending El Niño rains.
The Nairobi County government cited Naivasha Road as an example of how agencies are coordinating their response. Authorities are working with residents to help evacuate people from vulnerable areas, while also clearing blocked waterways and drainage channels to reduce flooding. This multi-agency approach aims to minimize the risk of flooding and ensure a swift response to emergencies.
Governor Sakaja also confirmed that preparation and rescue efforts will be coordinated within the city’s six boroughs to enable faster action at the local level. He urged the National Government Administrative Officers (NGAO), the National Police Service (NPS), Green Nairobi, Disaster Management teams, KURA, KeNHA, the Kenya Red Cross, and Nairobi boroughs to designate one representative each. This unified command structure will facilitate coordination, information sharing, and timely updates for residents.
In addition to evacuation efforts, teams are working to address drainage and other flood-mitigation interventions. The county government is taking proactive measures to reduce the risk of flooding and ensure that residents are prepared for the El Niño rains. This includes clearing drainage channels and waterways to prevent blockages that could exacerbate flooding.
Meanwhile, the State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards has issued food safety guidelines to households, food vendors, and residential estates ahead of the expected El Niño-enhanced rainfall. The department is urging residents and businesses to take early preventive steps to lower health risks during the rainy season. This includes taking precautions to prevent contamination of water sources, which could be compromised by floodwater mixing with sewage.
The department has warned that floodwater could mix with sewage and contaminate shallow wells, boreholes, and piped water, especially in low-lying areas. Residents are advised to take precautions to ensure their water sources remain safe and clean. By taking proactive measures, residents and businesses can minimize the risks associated with the El Niño rains and ensure a safe and healthy environment.
Key points
- The Nairobi county government has started evacuating residents in flood-prone areas along Naivasha Road ahead of the El Niño rains.
- A unified command structure has been established to coordinate preparation and rescue efforts within the city’s six boroughs.
- The State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards has issued food safety guidelines to mitigate health risks during the rainy season.
