Editor's Review

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has waived application and approval requirements for minor building repairs ahead of the El Niño rains. 

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has waived application and approval requirements for minor building repairs ahead of the El Niño rains. 

In a statement on Wednesday, September 23, Governor Sakaja said the move will allow Nairobi residents to install gutters and undertake minor repairs to their homes and compounds without going through the usual approval processes.

“As Nairobi prepares for the anticipated El Niño rains, I have waived the application and approval processes for minor building repairs until the onset of the rains. 

“This will allow Nairobians to put up gutters and undertake minor repairs to their homes and compounds without the usual approvals,” said Sakaja. 

The Nairobi Governor also announced that his administration is intensifying flood mitigation measures. 

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File image of Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja. 

Sakaja noted that the county has deployed more machinery, widened and deepened drainage channels, desilted waterways and cleared drainage corridors.

He also warned against illegal dumping, saying individuals found disposing of waste illegally would face tough action.

“Illegal dumping remains a major challenge. Those found dumping waste illegally will face tough action, while private waste collectors found dumping in open spaces risk permanent withdrawal of their licences,” Sakaja said. 

Further, Governor Sakaja said Nairobi residents can report flooding and other emergencies through the county’s dedicated hotline 1508.

“I urge Nairobians to prepare early by keeping drainage channels clear, installing gutters and taking necessary precautions as we work together to keep our city safe,” Sakaja concluded. 

This comes days after the Kenya National Highway Authority (KeNHA) confirmed that it is strengthening the road network's resilience in Nairobi.

The authority noted 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.

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