KeNHA Begins Drainage Works Ahead of El Niño Rains

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has commenced drainage improvement works as part of preparations for the expected El Niño rains.

In a statement on Thursday, August 20, the agency said the works are targeting stormwater management challenges and have begun along the James Gichuru Road Junction.

"Such improvements have begun in earnest along the James Gichuru Road Junction - JKIA A8/B10 Corridor to address stormwater management challenges affecting the highway drainage system," the statement read.

According to KeNHA, the initiative follows discussions between KeNHA Director General Luka Kimeli and the Clerk of the National Assembly, Samuel Njoroge, concerning the connection of stormwater drainage from the Parliament Building to the highway drainage system.

"The initiative follows discussions between KeNHA Director General Eng. Luka Kimeli and the Clerk of the National Assembly, Samuel Njoroge, regarding the connection of stormwater drainage from the Parliament Building to the highway system," the statement added.

KeNHA said the drainage works form part of a wider capacity enhancement, landscaping and beautification project being undertaken along the corridor.

"The works, being undertaken as part of the ongoing capacity enhancement, landscaping, and beautification project, will improve stormwater management, protect road infrastructure, and support safe, efficient, and sustainable road transport," the statement concluded.

Elsewhere, Nairobi County has stepped up preparations for the expected El Niño rains after identifying 227 flood hotspots across 17 sub-counties. 

According to a statement on Monday, August 17, the preparedness plan brings together several government agencies as the county begins implementing Ksh2.4 billion in drainage and flood-mitigation projects. 

The coordination framework brings together the Kenya Red Cross, Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), National Disaster Management Authority, Nairobi County Disaster Management Team, Environment Department, Nairobi Rivers Commission and other agencies.

Governor Johnson Sakaja said the involvement of multiple agencies would enable the county to prepare in advance, coordinate operations and respond more effectively to emergencies.

"This calls for us to prepare together, act early and protect lives and property," he said.

The county has set aside Ksh2 billion of the Ksh2.4 billion allocation for drainage and flood-control works covering 19 roads identified as vulnerable to flooding.

The projects are at an advanced stage, with tenders awarded and contractors expected to begin work once the remaining administrative processes are completed.

The drainage programme is intended to complement existing efforts under the Nairobi Regeneration Programme while addressing recurring flooding along roads and other essential infrastructure.

Sakaja said the investment is intended to provide a lasting solution to Nairobi’s persistent flooding problem by improving the city’s drainage system.

"The Ksh2 billion will support a comprehensive drainage overhaul that complements the ongoing Nairobi Regeneration Programme. Our goal is to permanently address the flooding challenges that have affected the city for many years," he added.