Nairobi has intensified its preparations for the anticipated heavy rains, with Governor Johnson Sakaja deploying more earth-moving machines to flood-prone areas across the city. The move is part of a multi-agency operation targeting flood hotspots, with teams carrying out desilting, widening, and deepening of drainage channels to improve stormwater flow and reduce the risk of flooding. This effort aims to mitigate the impact of the expected El Niño rains.
Sakaja inspected ongoing mitigation works along a key drainage corridor running from the KIRDI/Bellevue axis to the main outfall along Mombasa Road. He stated that the teams are widening and deepening drainage channels and creating clear pathways for water to flow. The governor emphasized the importance of proactive measures, saying, "We cannot wait for the rains to come before we act. We must be proactive and address the challenges we know lie ahead."
The preparedness efforts, chaired by Sakaja, bring together the Nairobi County Government and national and humanitarian 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. This multi-agency approach aims to make better use of available resources and protect residents and their property.
Sakaja urged residents living in riparian areas to relocate to safer locations, warning of the risks posed by flooding. He noted that many Nairobians have already heeded the advice and moved away from riparian areas, but emphasized that those who have not yet done so should take the advice seriously to avoid loss of life and property during flooding.
The county's preparedness strategy will operate under a "One County, One Plan, One Command" approach, bringing different agencies together under a coordinated response structure. This approach aims to enhance the county's response systems and protect Nairobians and their property. Additionally, Nairobi has established an Emergency Operations Centre and a dedicated emergency hotline, 1508, for residents to report flooding and other emergencies.
The county has identified 27 drop-off points and shelters where residents can be evacuated if relocation becomes necessary. A four-day multi-agency simulation exercise is planned later this month to test the city's emergency response systems. The exercise will bring together the county and national governments alongside other agencies involved in disaster preparedness and response.
Sakaja assured that teams would remain deployed and works would be completed in time to minimize the impact of the anticipated rains. The governor's proactive measures aim to protect the city's residents and property from the expected El Niño rains.
Key points
- Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja deploys more machines to mitigate flood risks.
- Multi-agency operation targets flood hotspots across Nairobi.
- Residents in riparian areas urged to relocate to safer locations.
