Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has directed engineers and contractors to complete critical road and drainage works in flood-prone areas within 14 days. The move is part of the city's preparations for the expected El Niño rains. Sakaja emphasized that the priority should be interventions capable of reducing the impact of flooding and protecting residents. He urged contractors to work diligently, stating that their efforts will save lives.
The county's road and drainage teams have been instructed to prioritize interventions in identified flood hotspots, with works spread across all 17 sub-counties. The works include drainage improvements, construction of culverts, road rehabilitation, opening of new road links, periodic maintenance, and upgrading of selected roads to bitumen standards. This multi-faceted approach aims to mitigate the effects of flooding and improve road access in vulnerable areas.
Among the areas receiving attention are Kawangware, Kabiro, Kilimani, Kileleshwa, Uthiru, Waithaka, and Riruta, where road rehabilitation, drainage, and culvert works are underway. In Embakasi, crews are working on several roads and links, including Spring Board Road and the Jose Maria–AIC Pewa–Charina link. These efforts are intended to improve drainage and road access while addressing areas considered particularly vulnerable to flooding.
The county has also stepped up the deployment of heavy machinery and coordination with other agencies as it races to complete the most urgent works within the 14-day window. Sakaja described the preparations as a life-saving exercise rather than routine road maintenance. The governor's directive puts pressure on the county's implementation teams to accelerate ongoing projects.
Works are also ongoing in Kasarani, Ruai, Mwiki, Roysambu, Githurai, and Kahawa West, as well as Westlands, Parklands, Kangemi, Karen, and Lang'ata. The interventions are part of a broader strategy to enhance the city's resilience to flooding. By prioritizing flood-prone areas, the county aims to minimize the risks associated with the impending El Niño rains.
Sakaja has instructed engineers and contractors to give flood-prone areas priority and ensure critical works are completed before the rains intensify. The 14-day deadline is a critical milestone in the county's efforts to prepare for the expected El Niño rains. The governor's emphasis on timely completion of the works underscores the importance of proactive measures in mitigating the impact of flooding.
The county's efforts to address flood-prone areas are part of a larger initiative to improve the city's infrastructure and protect residents from the effects of extreme weather events. With the El Niño rains expected to have a significant impact on the city, Sakaja's directive is a timely reminder of the need for preparedness and proactive measures to mitigate the risks associated with flooding.
Key points
- Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has given contractors 14 days to complete critical road and drainage works in flood-prone areas.
- The works include drainage improvements, construction of culverts, road rehabilitation, and upgrading of selected roads to bitumen standards.
- The county has stepped up the deployment of heavy machinery and coordination with other agencies to complete the most urgent works within the 14-day window.
