Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has convened a multi-agency coordination team and established five specialized sub-committees to prepare the city for anticipated El Niño rains, as KSh2.4 billion in drainage and flood-mitigation works begins across flood-prone areas.
The City Hall meeting brought together the Kenya Red Cross, Kenya Urban Roads Authority, Kenya National Highways Authority, National Disaster Management Authority, Nairobi County Disaster Management Team, the Environment Department, Nairobi Rivers Commission and other key agencies. Sakaja said the collaborative approach aims to ensure early preparation, coordinated response and protection of lives and property.
“This calls for us to prepare together, act early and protect lives and property,” Sakaja said.
Of the total allocation, KSh2 billion has been directed toward drainage and flood-mitigation works targeting 19 roads in identified high-risk zones. Tenders have been awarded and contractors are expected to mobilize once procurement processes are finalized. The programme is designed to complement the ongoing Nairobi Regeneration Programme and address infrastructure repeatedly damaged by flooding.
“The KSh2 billion will support a comprehensive drainage overhaul that complements the ongoing Nairobi Regeneration Programme. Our goal is to permanently address the flooding challenges that have affected the city for many years,” Sakaja said.
The multi-agency team has mapped 227 flood hotspots across Nairobi’s 17 sub-counties. These locations will guide preparedness planning, resource deployment and emergency interventions. Priority areas include blocked or undersized drainage channels, sections requiring desilting and waste removal, river corridors at risk of obstruction, flood-prone roads and critical transport links. Teams will also identify structures impeding water flow and vulnerable communities that may need early warnings, evacuation, shelter and relief support.
Five sub-committees have been formed to manage specific response areas. The Infrastructure and Drainage committee will coordinate clearing and improvement of drainage systems, rivers and critical infrastructure. The Emergency Response and Evacuation committee will oversee rapid response, rescue and evacuation operations. The Shelter and Relief committee will prepare safe shelters and coordinate food, water, medical assistance and other relief for affected residents. The Security and Traffic committee will manage security, traffic control and emergency access routes. The Communication committee will strengthen early warnings, public alerts and timely information dissemination.
The county is mobilizing personnel, equipment and resources to clear blocked drains, remove silt and waste, and strengthen emergency response systems in vulnerable areas. Sakaja emphasized that the county will work closely with residents, residents’ associations and other stakeholders to ensure communities in high-risk zones receive timely information and know what actions to take during heavy rains.
Officials said the multi-agency framework is intended to eliminate jurisdictional gaps and ensure government agencies operate as a unified team in preparing for and responding to emergencies. The flood-mitigation works and new coordination structure are expected to strengthen Nairobi’s resilience, improve storm-water management and reduce disruption caused by flooding during heavy rains.