Nairobi Dam Opens Emergency Spillway Ahead of Expected Heavy Rains

The Nairobi Rivers Commission (NRC), in collaboration with relevant government agencies and the Nairobi City County Government, has opened the emergency spillway at Nairobi Dam as part of preparations for the anticipated El Niño rains.

In a statement on Monday, October 19, the commission announced that water was already flowing through the spillway.

The NRC said the exercise was part of a coordinated effort involving multiple government agencies to address potential flooding and environmental concerns.

"The opening of the spillway is part of planned interventions aimed at enhancing the dam's preparedness for heavy rainfall while paving the way for its comprehensive restoration. The exercise forms part of a multi-agency approach to improving mitigating flood risks and restoring Nairobi's river ecosystems," the statement read.

The NRC also urged residents living downstream of Nairobi Dam to remain calm following the opening of the spillway, assuring them that the exercise was part of planned preparedness and restoration activities.

"Residents living downstream of Nairobi Dam are urged to remain calm and not to panic. The opening of the spillway is part of the ongoing preparedness and restoration works. 

"Residents are advised to remain vigilant, keep away from the flowing water and river channels, and follow official advisories from the relevant authorities," the statement added.

The NRC further warned that water levels and flow conditions could change depending on rainfall and other factors, urging communities in downstream areas to remain alert and comply with safety instructions issued by relevant agencies.

"The public is reminded that water levels and flow conditions may change depending on rainfall and other factors. Residents in downstream areas should therefore exercise caution and take heed of any safety instructions issued by the relevant agencies," the statement further read.

This comes days after the Kenya Meteorological Service Authority issued a weather forecast predicting rainfall in 40 counties between October 16 and 23.

In a weekly forecast published on Friday, October 16, Kenya Met said that rainfall is expected over several parts of the country.

Some of the counties set to receive rain include Kakamega, Vihiga, Busia, Bungoma, Kisumu, Kisii, Nyamira, Migori, Siaya, Homa Bay, Kericho, Nandi, Bomet, and Nakuru.

Elgeyo-Marakwet, West Pokot, Baringo, Uasin Gishu, Trans Nzoia, Nyeri, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Embu, Meru, Kiambu, Tharaka Nithi, Laikipia and Nyandarua counties also expect to experience rainy conditions.

"Rainfall is also expected in some parts of Machakos, Kitui, Makueni, Kajiado, Narok, Nairobi, Garissa, Tana River, Lamu, Kilifi, Mombasa, and Kwale counties. Isolated storms might be experienced," the Weatherman reported.

More rainfall is expected in Western Kenya and the South Rift regions, while the North Eastern part of the country will remain relatively dry.