The Institution of Surveyors of Kenya (ISK) has flagged major risks for apartments and homes ahead of the expected El Niño rains, urging property owners and managers to take early action.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

While outlining measures to mitigate property damage and safety risks, the surveyors warned that heavy rainfall could expose weaknesses in drainage systems, basements, retaining walls, roofs and other vulnerable structures.

The surveyors have urged property managers to complete inspections and maintenance early instead of waiting for damage to occur, while keeping emergency arrangements in place.

“ISK urges property professionals and building owners to treat the rainfall outlook as a reason for early inspection, maintenance and contingency planning rather than waiting for flooding or building damage to occur,” they said in a statement.

📌 What You Need to Know

They added, “Early maintenance, clear communication and timely response can reduce avoidable damage, protect occupants and help maintain the continuity of essential building services during periods of heavy rainfall.”

Particular attention has been drawn to basements, where owners have been advised to check drainage and consider sump pumps, electrical devices that remove accumulated water from a building’s foundation and help prevent flooding.

“Basements: Review basement flood protection, waterproofing, drainage and sump-pump arrangements. Avoid storing critical equipment in areas vulnerable to water ingress,” the statement read.

ISK has further recommended that access to lower basement parking be restricted during periods of intense rainfall where a property has been identified as being at risk of flooding.

The guidance means motorists may need to avoid underground parking and comply with access restrictions in areas where flooding risks are considered high.

In addition, surveyors have advised landlords and facility managers to clear drains, culverts and stormwater channels of silt, waste, leaves and other materials that could obstruct water flow.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke