NAIROBI, Kenya — National and county government officials have stepped up coordination to respond to the flooding crisis in the capital, as heavy rains continue to damage infrastructure and threaten public health.
The second meeting of the Joint Implementation Committee on the Cooperation Agreement between the national government and Nairobi City County Government was held at City Hall and chaired by Johnson Sakaja, the governor of Nairobi.
Among those present was the Principal Secretary for Environment and Climate Change Festus Ng’eno, alongside Julius Rono (Water and Sanitation), Michael Lenasalon (Devolution), and Ahmed Ibrahim (National Coordination).
Also attending were Solicitor General Shadrack Mose, Nairobi Deputy Governor Njoroge Muchiri, and Mamo Mamo, Director General of the National Environment Management Authority.
Emergency response to flooding
Governor Sakaja said both levels of government had launched a coordinated emergency response to address damage caused by ongoing heavy rains.
The flooding has affected roads, drainage systems, water infrastructure and public health, prompting authorities to mobilise agencies to respond quickly.
Sakaja noted that forecasts from the Kenya Meteorological Department indicate that the rains are likely to continue, making it necessary for authorities to maintain a rapid and coordinated response.
Riparian recovery and flood control
As part of long-term flood mitigation efforts, the governor said a multi-agency team has been directed to intensify the recovery of riparian and floodplain areas across the city.
The operation will be coordinated by the Nairobi Rivers Commission, which is spearheading efforts to reclaim land along river corridors that has been encroached on by illegal developments.
Officials also agreed to prepare satellite and GIS mapping data covering Nairobi’s river corridors, floodplains and high-risk flood zones to strengthen disaster preparedness, urban planning and infrastructure design.
Multi-agency coordination
The meeting brought together representatives from several state agencies involved in infrastructure and environmental management, including the Kenya Urban Roads Authority, Kenya Rural Roads Authority, Kenya National Highways Authority, and the Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company.
Sakaja said the committee had adopted a single-window approach to implementing the agreed interventions to improve coordination and accelerate response efforts.
The Joint Implementation Committee is expected to reconvene on March 19, 2026, to review progress on the measures agreed during the meeting.
Authorities say the collaboration between national and county governments will focus on protecting lives, restoring damaged infrastructure and building a more resilient Nairobi as the city continues to battle heavy rains.
