Sakaja Issues Fresh Appeal to Nairobi Residents Ahead of El Nino Rains

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has urged residents across the capital to take precautions ahead of the El Niño rains expected in October.

Speaking on Sunday, August 30, Sakaja said the county had brought together multi-agency teams to prepare the city by improving drainage systems while also strengthening emergency response and disaster management.

"As we prepare for the El Nino rains expected in October, we are taking proactive measures to minimise the impact of flooding.

"We have brought together multi-agency teams to widen, deepen, clean and unclog drainage systems, while strengthening emergency response and disaster management," he said.

Sakaja also called on Nairobi residents to cooperate with government agencies, participate in clean-up exercises and remain attentive to official communication as the county steps up its preparations.

"I urge all Nairobians to play their part by heeding government advisories, participating in clean-up efforts and remaining alert to official messages.

"If you are asked to temporarily vacate a vulnerable area, please do so early and cooperate with the authorities. Together, we can prepare Nairobi and keep our people safe," he added.

Elsewhere, on Saturday, August 29, Nairobi City County said it had intensified its El Niño preparedness, with Environmental officers, the Green Army and ClimateWorX teams working throughout the day across all 17 sub-counties.

In a statement, the county said it had identified areas vulnerable to flooding to help guide response teams to locations where drainage and water-flow challenges require urgent intervention.

"The County has mapped flood-prone areas across the city, guiding teams to the places where drainage and water-flow challenges require urgent attention," the statement read.

Teams have also been deployed to clear drainage channels, culverts and waterways by removing materials that could obstruct the movement of water and increase the risk of flooding.

"Teams are on the ground clearing and unclogging drainage channels, culverts and waterways, removing silt, garbage and other obstructions that could worsen flooding," the statement added.

The county had earlier identified 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.

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.