Sakaja urges Nairobi residents to heed evacuation alerts ahead of El Niño rains

Nairobi residents living in flood-prone areas have been urged to prepare for the expected October El Niño rains and move to safer areas early when advised by authorities.

Governor Johnson Sakaja said the county government is taking measures to reduce the risk of flooding by addressing drainage problems ahead of the rains.

He urged residents to remain alert, cooperate with authorities and follow evacuation instructions if asked to temporarily leave vulnerable areas.

The county has mapped flood-prone areas across Nairobi to identify locations where drainage and water-flow problems require urgent attention.

Environmental officers, the Green Army and ClimateWorX teams are carrying out drainage works across the city’s 17 sub-counties.

The teams are clearing drainage channels, culverts and waterways of silt, garbage and other materials that could obstruct the flow of rainwater.

The county is also widening, deepening, cleaning and unclogging drainage systems in different parts of the city to increase their capacity ahead of the rainy season.

“We urge residents in vulnerable areas to temporarily vacate early when advised and cooperate with the authorities. Early action will be important in protecting lives and reducing the impact of flooding,” Sakaja said.

He said the measures are intended to prevent flooding and ensure the county responds before the rains cause disruption, rather than waiting for flooding to occur.

Sakaja also called on residents to support the preparations by participating in clean-up activities, keeping drainage areas clear and paying attention to official communication.

The county government said the drainage works will continue in different neighbourhoods as teams prepare the city’s infrastructure to handle increased water flows during the rainy season.

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