Nairobi County has launched a citywide flood preparedness operation utilizing its six-borough administrative structure. The operation involves multi-agency teams deployed to desilt waterways, clear drainage corridors, and widen channels in anticipation of the expected El Nino rains. This proactive measure aims to mitigate the impact of flooding in the capital. The county's efforts focus on reopening clogged waterways, widening drainage channels, and upgrading culverts to improve stormwater movement.
Governor Sakaja Johnson inspected ongoing works at several sites on Tuesday, October 7, 2026. The locations included the central business district and the Country Bus area, Kayole Slaughterhouse, Kangundo Road, Matopeni Spring Valley in Embakasi Central, Garden Estate Road, Oak Place in Ridgeways, and parts of Roysambu. These sites were chosen for their high flood risk and potential impact on residents. The governor's inspection demonstrates the county's commitment to flood preparedness and mitigation.
One of the interventions already completed is the work along the Ngong River in Lang’ata. The river has been dredged and deepened, and walls obstructing its flow have been removed. This intervention is expected to significantly reduce the risk of flooding in the area. The county's efforts focus on upgrading existing infrastructure to improve its capacity to handle heavy rainfall. By doing so, the county aims to minimize the disruption caused by flooding.
The six-borough system, introduced by Governor Sakaja, consolidates Nairobi’s 17 sub-counties and 85 wards into six zones, each led by a manager who reports to the governor and senior county officials. This arrangement enables the governor's office to gather a comprehensive picture of conditions across the capital from six officials instead of dozens of ward or sub-county administrators. The borough model streamlines coordination and communication, facilitating a more effective response to flood preparedness and other emergencies.
The six boroughs cover all 17 sub-counties and 85 wards, with each borough having a distinct geographical area. The Central Borough covers Starehe, Kamukunji, and Mathare, while the Western Borough comprises Westlands, Dagoretti North, and Dagoretti South. The Northern Borough includes Kasarani, Roysambu, and Ruaraka. The Southern Borough covers Kibra and Lang’ata, while the Eastern Borough comprises Embakasi North, Embakasi West, and Embakasi Central. The South Eastern Borough takes in Embakasi South, Embakasi East, and Makadara.
The county has not provided a specific date for the arrival of the El Nino rains, but they are expected within days. Although the county has not disclosed how much of the drainage work remains unfinished, the ongoing efforts demonstrate its commitment to flood preparedness. The interventions being implemented are expected to significantly reduce the risk of flooding and mitigate its impact on residents. By leveraging the six-borough system, the county can respond more effectively to emergencies.
The county's proactive approach to flood preparedness is crucial in minimizing the disruption caused by flooding. By upgrading existing infrastructure and clearing drainage corridors, the county aims to reduce the risk of flooding and protect residents. The six-borough system has improved coordination and communication, enabling the county to respond more effectively to emergencies. As the El Nino rains approach, Nairobi County remains focused on mitigating the impact of flooding.
Key points
- Nairobi County uses six-borough system to coordinate citywide flood preparedness operation
- Ongoing interventions include reopening clogged waterways, widening drainage channels, and upgrading culverts
- El Nino rains are expected within days, with the county working to minimize the disruption caused by flooding
