NAIROBI, Kenya — The Ministry of Interior and National Administration has identified 37 neighbourhoods across Nairobi that are highly vulnerable to flooding as heavy rains continue to pound parts of the country.
In a statement on Sunday, the ministry said the areas were identified through a mapping exercise conducted under the Nairobi Rivers Regeneration Programme, which assessed settlements located along major river corridors and other flood-prone zones within the capital.
Authorities said the mapping exercise comes amid rising flood risks in both rural and urban areas following sustained rainfall that has already affected several communities.
According to the ministry, the flood-prone areas span multiple regions of the city, many situated along the Nairobi River and its tributaries.
In the Nairobi East corridor, the areas identified include Kiambiu, Dandora, Kariobangi, Kayole, Komarock, Njiru, Ruai, Mwiki, Donholm, Savannah, Tassia, and Fedha.
Officials noted that most of these neighbourhoods lie downstream along sections of the river system where water levels can rise rapidly during intense rainfall.
In Nairobi West, the mapping flagged Madaraka, Nairobi West, Lang’ata, Kawangware, Kangemi, Lavington, Westlands, Parklands, Kitisuru, Spring Valley, Kileleshwa, and Chiromo as flood-prone zones located along upstream and midstream sections of the city’s river network.
The Nairobi North corridor also features heavily in the report, with Mathare, Korogocho, and Lucky Summer identified as particularly vulnerable due to dense settlements built close to the banks of the Mathare River.
Within Nairobi Central, areas along the river corridor, including the Central Business District, Globe, Gikomba, Eastleigh, and the Industrial Area, were also highlighted because sections of the Nairobi River flow directly through these locations.
Further south, neighbourhoods such as Kilimani, Kibera, South C, South B, Mukuru Kwa Reuben, and Kwa Njenga were listed as high-risk zones along the Ngong River corridor.
The ministry said the mapping will guide disaster preparedness and response efforts as multi-agency teams continue to monitor the evolving situation and coordinate relief operations.
Authorities have urged residents living near rivers, riparian zones, and low-lying areas to remain vigilant during periods of heavy rainfall and to prioritise their safety by heeding official advisories.
The warning comes as emergency teams across government agencies continue to respond to flooding incidents in parts of the capital and other regions, with officials cautioning that prolonged rains could lead to further displacement, infrastructure damage and risks to lives and livelihoods if precautions are not taken.
