Nairobi Governor Sakaja Johnson has established five multi-agency teams to coordinate preparations for the expected El Niño rains after authorities identified 227 flood hotspots across the county.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

According to the governor, the teams will focus on infrastructure and drainage, emergency response and evacuation, shelter and relief, security and traffic, and communication.

The governor revealed the new response structure after a meeting on Monday, August 17, that convened county departments and agencies, including the Kenya Red Cross, Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).

“We have decided to be very proactive this time to make sure we protect lives and safeguard the property of the people of Nairobi,” he said.

📌 What You Need to Know

The teams will coordinate preventive measures, emergency response, and public communication before and during periods of heavy rainfall expected between October and December.

Sakaja explained that the 227 flood hotspots were identified across Nairobi’s 17 sub-counties and will guide the deployment of personnel, equipment, and other resources.

The county has classified 16 of the locations as very high priority, 189 as high priority, and 22 as medium priority.

The areas include locations with blocked or undersized drainage channels, silted waterways and rivers, flood-prone roads and transport routes, and points where obstructions could affect the movement of stormwater flow.

Authorities have also identified areas where flooding could disrupt emergency access or put vulnerable communities at risk, requiring early warnings, evacuation, and relief support, including Dagoretti North, Mathare, Embakasi North, Embakasi South, and Makadara.

The developments come as the county continues implementing a Ksh2.4 billion programme to clear blocked drains, remove silt and waste from waterways, and strengthen drainage systems across the city .

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke