Nairobi Governor Sakaja Johnson has given county engineers, Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) engineers and contractors 14 days to accelerate drainage and road works in flood-prone areas ahead of the expected El Niño rains.
Sakaja issued the directive on Thursday, September 24, during a meeting at Barabara Plaza with KURA Director-General Eng. Silas Kinoti, county and KURA engineers and contractors.
He directed the teams to prioritize areas that regularly flood and identified hotspots needing urgent intervention before the rains intensify.
Sakaja Identifies 16 to 18 Flood Hotspots
Sakaja said the county had brought together various agencies the previous week to coordinate preparations for the expected rains.
The meeting brought together the Kenya Red Cross, KURA, road agencies, Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) and Nairobi’s disaster coordination teams.
“We’ve identified 16 to 18 hotspots and the construction of the works has already begun,” Sakaja said.
He said drainage works had already started in several areas, while residents in some vulnerable locations had also been advised to move to safer areas.
The Governor said the county was particularly focused on drainage and river works, adding that preparations also include training teams involved in emergency response.
Also Read: KDF Enlisted as Government Rolls Out El Niño Response Plan
River and Drainage Works Underway
Sakaja said some river works were already about 60 percent complete, while broader programmes to improve Nairobi’s drainage and sewer systems were continuing.
He said joint training was being conducted involving Kenya Red Cross volunteers, Nairobi disaster management teams and fire officers to strengthen the city’s emergency response capacity.
The county also plans to issue alerts to residents on safety measures, emergency procedures and numbers to call during emergencies.
Sakaja urged residents to follow official directions and respect riparian reserves, particularly in areas along the Mathare, Nairobi and Ngong rivers that have repeatedly experienced flooding.
He said the county was also preparing information on shelters that could be used if residents need to be evacuated.
Nairobi River Works Target January 2027
The Governor said the county had advertised and contracted different contractors to expand drainage systems in various parts of the city.
He added that a Chinese contractor was undertaking works on the Nairobi River, with the county still targeting January 15, 2027, to complete the current phase of general river works.
The county will then focus on works along the Mathare and Ngong rivers.
Sakaja also said a geotechnical survey in Nairobi identified an embankment issue, which is being addressed in coordination with other agencies.
Sakaja urged residents to help reduce flooding by keeping local drainage systems free of waste.
He said residents frequently dumped garbage into drains and gully pots, contributing to blockages during heavy rains.
The Governor called on resident associations to work with county administrators to clear drains in their neighbourhoods, with sub-county and ward administrators able to coordinate equipment where machinery is required.
“We really must partner with the public in making sure we are safe and it’s all for our safety,” he said.
Also Read: Govt Names County at Highest Risk as El Niño Rains Approach
Mombasa Road Drainage Works Prioritised
Sakaja said the county had also contracted China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) to undertake drainage works along Mombasa Road, an area that has experienced flooding.
He said runoff from the Nairobi Expressway had contributed to flooding challenges in some locations, including the area from Imara Daima towards Embakasi Girls and Mukuru.
The county is also undertaking walkway works along major roads, including Mombasa Road, Uhuru Highway and Waiyaki Way.
Sakaja said engineers had been asked to prioritise drainage works as the city prepares for the rains, even as other infrastructure and landscaping works continue.
Sakaja Deploys More Machines as Nairobi Braces for Heavy Rains
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has also deployed additional earth-moving equipment to flood-prone areas as the county steps up preparations for the expected heavy rains.
Sakaja inspected ongoing drainage works on September 22 along the KIRDI/Bellevue–Mombasa Road corridor, where multi-agency teams are clearing silt and widening drains to improve the movement of stormwater.
“We cannot wait for the rains to come before we act. We must be proactive,” Sakaja said, while urging residents living in riparian areas to move to safer locations.
The Governor said Nairobi’s preparations will be coordinated under a “One County, One Plan, One Command” approach to ensure different response teams work together.
As part of the preparations, the county plans to conduct a four-day multi-agency simulation exercise later this month to assess and strengthen Nairobi’s emergency response capacity.
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