Sakaja Gives Engineers 14 Days to Complete Nairobi Flood Works

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has given engineers and contractors 14 days to complete critical drainage and road works ahead of heavy rains associated with the anticipated El Niño weather pattern.

The directive covers projects being implemented by Nairobi City County and the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), with officials focusing on areas considered most vulnerable to flooding. The county has identified 227 flood hotspots across 17 sub-counties. These areas are covered by a KSh2.4 billion multi-agency programme aimed at improving stormwater drainage and reducing flood risks.

Of the total funding, KSh2 billion has been allocated to drainage and flood-control works along 19 roads that have a history of flooding. The work includes desilting and widening drainage channels, clearing blocked waterways and deploying heavy machinery in high-risk areas to improve water flow. Sakaja said the measures were intended to protect homes, businesses and commuters as the rains intensify.

“We have directed our teams to accelerate the ongoing works, particularly in known flood hotspots, to improve drainage and reduce the risk of flooding ahead of the expected rains,” he said.

The preparations are being carried out through a multi-agency framework involving Nairobi County, KURA, the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA), the Kenya Red Cross, the National Disaster Management Authority and the Nairobi Rivers Commission.

Five committees have been established to oversee infrastructure and drainage, emergency response and evacuation, shelter and relief, security and traffic, and public communication. An emergency operations centre has also been established, supported by the 1508 hotline for reporting incidents. Authorities have identified 27 shelters for residents who may need to be evacuated.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, speaking at a preparedness meeting in Karen, said temporary holding grounds had been identified for residents who may need to be relocated. He said forecasts indicated significant rainfall from mid-October, which could affect roads, drainage systems and electricity supply.