Nairobi County has stepped up preparations to prevent flooding ahead of the expected El Niño rains, with teams already working to clear waterways, drainage systems and river channels across the capital.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

The county's Green Army and other environmental teams have been deployed to clear blocked alleyways, unclog sewers and drainage systems, and remove silt and debris from waterways.

The measures are aimed at creating clear pathways for stormwater and reducing the risk of flooding in areas that are prone to waterlogging during heavy rainfall.

At the same time, the county is implementing longer-term measures under the Nairobi River Regeneration Programme, including widening sections of the river to increase its capacity to carry stormwater and improve water flow.

📌 What You Need to Know

Speaking during an interview on Inooro FM, Governor Johnson Sakaja said the county was taking action before the rains arrive to improve Nairobi's ability to manage large volumes of stormwater.

“We are preparing Nairobi before the rains come. Our teams are on the ground clearing blocked waterways, opening up drainage systems and ensuring that our rivers have the capacity to carry stormwater,” Sakaja said.

The preparations come days after the Interior Ministry identified Nairobi among 18 counties at high risk from the anticipated El Niño rains, citing urban flooding, blocked drainage systems and strained infrastructure among the major concerns facing the capital.

The ministry's warning comes ahead of the October-November rainfall season , with the Kenya Meteorological Service forecasting above-average rainfall during the period.

Beyond Nairobi, the expected rains could trigger flooding, disease outbreaks, food shortages and infrastructure damage. Coastal counties including Tana River, Kilifi, Lamu, Mombasa and Kwale have also been flagged as vulnerable to flooding, storm surges, coastal erosion and displacement.

For Nairobi, the county's strategy combines immediate preventive measures with longer-term infrastructure interventions. Clearing drainage systems and waterways is intended to address existing blockages, while the Nairobi River works seek to improve the city's capacity to handle stormwater.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke