NAIROBI, Kenya — Johnson Sakaja has activated emergency response measures across Nairobi as heavy rains continue to batter the capital, triggering floods and disrupting transport and daily activities.
In a statement on Friday, the Nairobi Governor said the Nairobi City County Government had mobilised personnel and resources to manage the situation and safeguard residents and property.
Sakaja said the county’s Disaster Management and Risk Department had been placed on high alert and was coordinating emergency operations across the city.
“The county has activated its Multi-Sectoral Disaster and Flood Mitigation Committee to provide 24-hour monitoring and rapid response services,” he said.
According to the governor, the committee brings together several county departments and partner agencies to coordinate response efforts and ensure quick action during flooding and other weather-related emergencies.
As part of the intervention, county teams drawn from the Mobility and Works sector — including the “Green Army” — have been deployed across all 17 sub-counties to carry out emergency desilting of drainage systems and clearing of blocked waterways.
Sakaja said the operation is aimed at improving water flow in drainage channels to reduce flooding in vulnerable areas.
The county government is also working with national road agencies, including the Kenya National Highways Authority and the Kenya Urban Roads Authority, to keep major roads open during the rains.
“All KURA contractors have been directed to be on the ground immediately to conduct urgent mitigation on their corridors,” Sakaja said.
The mitigation measures include opening blocked drainage channels, removing fallen trees and clearing debris from roads to ensure the safety of motorists and pedestrians.
Emergency response teams have also been deployed to flooding hotspots across the city, with fire and disaster management units conducting rescue operations in affected areas.
A multi-agency team comprising the National Police Service and the Kenya Red Cross Society has also been mobilised to support rescue and emergency operations.
“We have identified low-lying areas at risk of flooding. Temporary evacuation centres equipped with essential supplies have been established for residents in high-risk zones,” the governor said.
The county government said the centres will assist residents who may be displaced by flooding in vulnerable neighbourhoods.
Sakaja urged residents to cooperate with emergency teams and relocate to safer areas whenever advised by authorities.
He also issued a series of safety advisories, warning residents against crossing flooded roads or swollen rivers during the ongoing rains.
Authorities cautioned that even shallow moving water can pose serious risks to both pedestrians and motorists.
Residents were further advised to stay away from fallen power lines, avoid sheltering under trees during storms and report blocked drainage systems or damaged infrastructure to county authorities.
In case of emergencies such as flooding or fallen trees, the public has been asked to contact the county’s 24-hour dispatch centre through emergency numbers 020 2222181, 020 2223182, 020 2222183 or 020 2344599.
The governor said the county government will continue monitoring weather developments closely while working with national agencies and humanitarian organisations to protect lives and property.
The warning comes as heavy rains continue to pound parts of the capital, with several neighbourhoods experiencing flooding and transport disruptions following persistent downpours.
