NAIROBI, Kenya — The Nairobi City County Government has announced a one-month waiver on levies and approvals required for property repair works following the recent heavy rains and flooding that caused widespread damage across the capital.
In a public notice issued on Wednesday, Acting County Secretary Godfrey Akumali said the measure aims to allow residents and businesses to quickly repair structures damaged by the floods.
Akumali explained that the waiver temporarily suspends the levies and regulatory approvals normally required before residents can carry out repair or maintenance works on their properties.
According to the county government, the directive is intended to accelerate the restoration of homes, businesses, and public facilities affected by the floods, while safeguarding public health and safety by allowing urgent structural repairs.
“Residents are strongly encouraged to take advantage of this waiver to carry out necessary works within the stipulated timeframe,” the statement said.
County officials noted that despite the waiver, technical guidance and oversight will continue to ensure repair works comply with safety standards.
The relief measure will remain in force for 30 days from March 11, after which normal regulatory requirements for property repair and maintenance approvals will resume.
The announcement comes in the aftermath of heavy rainfall that triggered severe flooding across parts of Nairobi, leaving at least 43 people dead after a storm on the night of March 6.
Several neighbourhoods, including South C, South B, and Nairobi West, experienced extensive flooding after drainage systems were overwhelmed by the sudden downpour.
Sections of the busy Uhuru Highway were also affected, with floodwaters submerging parts of the road and leaving some vehicles nearly engulfed by rising water levels.
Residents in several estates reported water entering their homes as drainage infrastructure struggled to cope with the volume of rainwater.
In response to the crisis, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja said the county activated emergency response teams across the city.
He added that a multi-agency response involving the National Police Service and the Kenya Red Cross Society was deployed to coordinate rescue and recovery operations.
Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV on March 8, Sakaja acknowledged that Nairobi’s drainage challenges require long-term solutions and sustained financing rather than short-term fixes.
“I know where I have gotten this city from, I know what the plan is, and I have figured out how to plug the deficit of financing, and you will see the results. I want to see my city change. I have the best intentions for this city; this is where I was born,” the governor said.
County officials say the waiver is part of broader recovery efforts aimed at helping residents rebuild while authorities continue assessing damage and strengthening flood response mechanisms.
