Editor's Review

KeNHA  confirmed that it is strengthening the road network's resilience in Nairobi.

The Kenya National Highway Authority (KeNHA) has, on Friday, September 18, confirmed that it is strengthening the road network's resilience in Nairobi.

In a statement issued by KeNHA, the Authority confirmed that its team, led by Eng. Annete Aming'a, attended a multi-agency meeting to address drainage management, flood risk mapping, and coordinated response.

During the meeting, the team confirmed that it had taken multiple steps to ensure Nairobi roads are safe in anticipation of the adverse rainfall expected during the El Niño.

"KeNHA is enhancing the road network’s capacity to withstand flooding through river monitoring, heavy-rainfall advisories, flood-risk mapping and drainage improvements under the James Gichuru Junction–JKIA capacity enhancement project and emergency works framework contracts, enabling timely response to flood-damaged sections," the statement read in part.

The Authority said it will continue enhancing flood resilience and protect road users and infrastructure in Nairobi and across the country.

Read More

  1. Progress of the Ongoing Upgrading of 66.5-Kilometre Illasit–Taveta Road [Photos]
  2. KeNHA Announces Partial Closure of a Section of Mombasa Road
  3. Gov't Unveils Ksh2.1 Billion Plan to Protect Livestock From El Niño

A file photo of a flooded road in Nairobi CBD.

Meanwhile, Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku reassured Kenyans that the government is well prepared and has put in place enough measures to ensure limited loss of life and property.

Ruku added that the state had mapped out areas susceptible to flooding and landslides, and equipped them with emergency response centres. He expressed hope that the situation would not exceed predicted levels.

"We are on standby, and we hope that it will not reach a point where we will start asking Israel for help because they are good at managing crises," the CS stated.

The Public Service Boss confirmed that there was a joint training programme between Kenya and Israel that prepared personnel to address any emergencies that may arise.

Earlier, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja said the county government had kick-started the process of clearing the drainage system. He stated that rescue and recovery centres had been established near flood- and landslide-prone areas.

At the onset of the rainy season in March, several residents died, and property was damaged by floodwaters.