Residents of Nairobi's flood-prone areas are struggling to come to terms with the government's warning of impending El Nino floods. Despite the government's efforts to evacuate them, many are unsure of where to go. Esther Makhokha, a resident of Mukuru Kayaba, recalls the devastating floods of March this year, which forced her to flee her home with her children. She is still unsure of where to go if the floods recur.
Makhokha is not alone in her concerns. Immaculate Wavinya, a single mother from Mukuru Kayaba, has attended several meetings where residents have been advised to move out of flood-prone areas. However, she says that the government has not provided sufficient support to help them relocate. Many residents, like Wavinya, are worried about leaving their homes, families, and businesses behind.
The government has increased preparations to mitigate the impact of the floods. Nairobi County Governor Johnson Sakaja has identified areas such as Mukuru, Kibra, Mathare, and parts of Ruaraka as most vulnerable to flooding. The county has begun cleaning, expanding, and excavating drains in over 36 flood-prone areas and established 27 rescue centers and temporary shelters.
Despite these efforts, many residents feel that the government has not done enough to address their concerns. Mzee Francis Kaviti of Mukuru Kayaba says that the government cannot simply tell people to evacuate without providing alternative accommodation. The residents' concerns are compounded by the lack of clear information on where to go in case of an evacuation.
The El Nino floods are expected to start towards the end of the year, and residents are growing increasingly anxious. Ruth Mwikali, a resident of Nairobi Dam, says that she has heard the warnings but has not received clear guidance on where to go if her home is flooded. The uncertainty is taking a toll on residents, who are already struggling to make ends meet.
The government has assured residents that it is working to mitigate the impact of the floods. However, residents remain skeptical, citing past experiences where they did not receive sufficient support. Makhokha, for instance, recalls that during the March floods, it was journalists who provided her with food, clothing, and other essential items, not the government.
As the threat of El Nino floods looms large, residents of Nairobi's flood-prone areas are calling for more concrete action from the government. They want clear information on evacuation routes, alternative accommodation, and support for those who will be displaced. The government must address these concerns to prevent a repeat of the devastating floods that occurred earlier this year.
Key points
- The Kenyan government has identified areas such as Mukuru, Kibra, Mathare, and parts of Ruaraka as most vulnerable to flooding.
- Despite government warnings, many residents are unsure of where to go in case of an evacuation.
- The government has established 27 rescue centers and temporary shelters for those who will be displaced by the floods.
