As heavy rains loom, Nairobi is putting billions into drainage and flood-control measures. But with flooding a recurring problem across the city, the real test will be whether the preparations are completed before the downpours begin.
Heavy rains expected from October
Nairobi City County has stepped up preparations for the expected heavy rains, rolling out a multi-agency flood-mitigation programme aimed at reducing flooding, traffic disruption and damage to infrastructure across the capital.
The move comes as the Kenya Meteorological Department forecasts above-average rainfall in several parts of the country, with some areas expected to receive heavy downpours.
The rains are expected to begin in September in some parts of Kenya and continue through January in other areas. In Nairobi, heavy rains are expected between October and January.
This has raised fresh concerns over the city’s ability to cope with another prolonged wet season, given its history of flooding during heavy rainfall.
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Ksh.2 billion targeted at 19 roads
The county government has set aside Ksh.2 billion for drainage and flood-mitigation works targeting 19 roads identified as vulnerable to flooding.
The allocation forms part of a wider Ksh.2.4 billion flood-resilience programme bringing together Nairobi City County, the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), disaster management teams, the Kenya Red Cross, the Rivers Commission and other partners.
The programme will focus on clearing blocked drainage channels, removing silt and waste, expanding drainage systems and addressing infrastructure weaknesses that have contributed to repeated flooding.
County moves before the rains
The interventions were discussed during Nairobi’s second El Niño preparedness update meeting, where the multi-agency team reviewed progress and identified areas requiring urgent attention before the rains intensify.
According to the county government, drainage improvement works are already underway in some locations, with teams opening and deepening channels and clearing obstructions to improve the movement of stormwater.
Governor Johnson Sakaja said the county was acting early rather than waiting for flooding to occur.
“We are working proactively to address the challenges of flooding before El Niño hits the ground. We urge our people not to panic but be alert and get information from our multi-agency team,” Sakaja said.
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Mombasa Road and Globe Roundabout among key hotspots
The governor recently inspected flood-prone areas, including the Mombasa Road-Bunyala Junction corridor and Globe Roundabout, which have experienced flooding during previous heavy rains.
These areas are among locations where flooding can quickly disrupt traffic and affect businesses and residents.
The county says the current works are intended to improve drainage capacity and address some of the weaknesses that have left parts of Nairobi vulnerable whenever heavy rainfall hits.
Five teams to coordinate the response
Nairobi has established five specialised committees to coordinate preparedness, response and recovery before, during and after heavy rainfall.
The Infrastructure and Drainage Committee will oversee drainage systems, rivers and other critical infrastructure.
The Emergency Response and Evacuation Committee will coordinate rescue, evacuation and rapid response operations, while the Shelter and Relief Committee will prepare emergency shelters and organise essential support such as food, water and medical assistance.
The Security and Traffic Committee will focus on security, traffic management and emergency access, while the Communication Committee will strengthen early-warning systems and public alerts.
The multi-agency structure is also intended to improve coordination between county and national agencies responsible for roads, drainage, disaster management and emergency response.
Residents urged to keep drains clear
County officials say government intervention alone will not be enough to prevent flooding. Residents, businesses and residents’ associations have been urged to keep drainage channels and access points clear and stop dumping rubbish into drains.
“We don’t want people to panic. We want people to be proactive, to listen to information and to work with us. The multi-agency team is in place, and we are preparing before the rains intensify,” Sakaja said.
Residents living in riparian areas have also been advised to follow official advisories and move to safer ground where necessary.
The Ksh.2 billion drainage programme is expected to complement other infrastructure interventions under the Nairobi Regeneration Programme.
The county says its priority is to address the causes of flooding rather than relying on emergency response after disaster strikes.
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