Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has provided an update on the ongoing heavy rainfall in the capital, outlining emergency response measures put in place by the Nairobi City County Government to safeguard residents and property.
In a statement released on Friday, the governor said county authorities have fully mobilised personnel and resources to manage the situation as heavy rains continue to affect parts of Nairobi.
Sakaja said the county’s Disaster Management and Risk Department is on high alert and coordinating response efforts across the city while urging residents to remain vigilant and prioritise their safety.
“The county has activated its Multi-Sectoral Disaster and Flood Mitigation Committee to provide 24-hour monitoring and rapid response services,” he said.
According to the governor, the committee is bringing together several departments and agencies to ensure a quick response to flooding incidents and other weather-related emergencies.
As part of the response, county teams drawn from the Mobility and Works sector, including the “Green Army”, have been deployed across all 17 sub-counties to carry out emergency desilting of drainage systems and clearing of blocked waterways.
Sakaja said the operations are aimed at improving water flow in drainage channels to reduce the risk of flooding in vulnerable areas.
The county government is also working closely with national road agencies, including the Kenya National Highways Authority and the Kenya Urban Roads Authority, to ensure that major roads remain passable during the rains.
“All KURA contractors have been directed to be on the ground immediately to conduct urgent mitigation on their corridors,” the governor stated.
The measures include opening blocked drainage systems, removing fallen trees, and clearing debris from roads to ensure the safety of motorists and pedestrians.
Sakaja added that emergency response teams are already conducting rescue operations in areas affected by flooding, with fire and disaster management units deployed to identified hotspots across the city.
A multi-agency team comprising the National Police Service and the Kenya Red Cross Society has also been mobilised to coordinate rescue and emergency operations.
“We have identified low-lying areas at risk of flooding. Temporary evacuation centers equipped with essential supplies have been established for residents in high-risk zones,” he noted.
To address potential displacement, the county government has established temporary evacuation centres equipped with essential supplies for residents living in high-risk areas.
Sakaja urged residents to cooperate with emergency teams and move to safer areas if advised to do so by authorities.
The governor also issued a series of safety advisories to members of the public as heavy rainfall continues.
Residents were warned against crossing swollen rivers or flooded roads, noting that even shallow moving water can pose serious risks to both pedestrians and motorists.
The county further advised the public to stay away from downed power lines, avoid standing under trees during storms, and report blocked drainage systems or infrastructure damage through the county’s emergency hotlines.
In case of flooding, fallen trees or other life-threatening emergencies, residents have been urged to contact the county’s 24-hour dispatch centre through the emergency numbers 020 2222181, 020 2223182, 020 2222183 or 020 2344599, the Nairobi City County Government said.
Sakaja said the county government will continue to monitor the weather situation closely and provide updates as necessary while working with national agencies and humanitarian organisations to protect lives and property in the city.
The ongoing rains have wreaked havoc across different parts of the capital, with Nairobi experiencing widespread flooding following continuous heavy rainfall.
