Sakaja Issues 14-Day Deadline as Nairobi Prepares for El Niño Rains

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has issued a 14-day deadline for the completion of critical drainage and road works as the city prepares for intensified El Niño rains.

Speaking on Thursday, September 24, Sakaja said the ongoing interventions were aimed at reducing the risk of flooding in vulnerable parts of Nairobi and called on Nairobi City County and Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) engineers and contractors to accelerate the works.

"I have urged Nairobi City County and Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) engineers and contractors to expedite critical El Niño preparedness interventions, as the city has a 14-day window to complete ongoing drainage and road works before the rains intensify," he said.

Sakaja said teams from the county government and KURA had been directed to identify areas that were most vulnerable to flooding and prioritise them as ongoing infrastructure works continued.

"Together with KURA Director-General Eng. Silas Kinoti, County and KURA engineers, and contractors, we have tasked teams to identify and prioritise flood-prone areas and El Niño hotspots as they undertake ongoing works," he added.

Sakaja said the drainage and road projects could no longer be treated as ordinary maintenance works, given the potential impact of heavy rains on residents and infrastructure.

"We agreed that the ongoing drainage and road works must now be treated as a life-saving imperative, rather than routine infrastructure maintenance," he further said.

Sakaja further called for closer coordination between county and national government agencies to ensure the works were completed within the 14-day window and measures put in place to protect Nairobi residents.

"Both County and national government agencies must work together to ensure that critical interventions are completed within the available window and that Nairobians are adequately protected," he concluded.

This comes days after Sakaja waived application and approval requirements for minor building repairs ahead of the El Niño rains. 

In a statement on Wednesday, September 23, he 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," he said. 

Sakaja also announced that his administration is intensifying flood mitigation measures. 

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

Sakaja 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," he added.

Further, 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," he concluded.