Nairobi residents living in flood-prone areas have been urged to prepare for the expected October El Niño rains and move to safer locations early whenever advised by authorities.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja said the county government is implementing measures to reduce the risk of flooding by addressing drainage challenges ahead of the rainy season.
Sakaja urged residents in vulnerable areas to remain vigilant, cooperate with authorities and follow evacuation instructions if they are advised to temporarily leave areas at risk of flooding.
The county government has mapped flood-prone areas across Nairobi to identify locations where drainage and water-flow challenges require urgent intervention.
Environmental officers, the Green Army and ClimateWorX teams are undertaking drainage improvement works across the city’s 17 sub-counties.
The teams are clearing drainage channels, culverts and waterways of silt, garbage and other materials that could obstruct the flow of rainwater.
The county is also widening, deepening, cleaning and unclogging drainage systems in various parts of Nairobi to increase their capacity and reduce the risk of flooding during heavy rains.
“We urge residents in vulnerable areas to temporarily vacate early when advised and cooperate with the authorities. Early action will be important in protecting lives and reducing the impact of flooding,” Sakaja said.
He said the measures are intended to strengthen the city’s preparedness and enable the county to respond before flooding causes major disruption.
Sakaja also called on residents to support the preparations by participating in clean-up exercises, keeping drainage channels clear and paying close attention to official communication from authorities.
The county government said drainage improvement works will continue across different neighborhoods as teams prepare Nairobi’s infrastructure to handle increased water flows during the rainy season.
