El Niño rains: Sakaja urges early evacuation in flood hotspots
Sakaja said preparations were already under way in Nairobi and called on Kenyans to take personal responsibility for preventing flooding.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has warned Kenyans to prepare for challenging months as the country enters the October-December rainy season, urging those in flood-prone areas to evacuate to safety before the heavy rains commence. Preparations are underway in Nairobi, and Sakaja called on Kenyans to take responsibility for preventing flooding by keeping drainage channels and roads clear of waste.
The governor spoke in Kakamega, where weather authorities forecast an El Niño season beginning in October. Sakaja emphasized that people should act early rather than wait for flooding to occur before seeking help. Nairobi has begun preparations, including a joint operation involving county disaster-response teams, Kenya Red Cross officials, and engineers.
These teams are clearing and improving drainage infrastructure, such as widening and deepening waterways and removing blockages. However, the effectiveness of these measures depends on residents' behavior, such as avoiding dumping rubbish on roads and into drainage channels. Sakaja specifically thanked Nairobi residents who have moved to safer areas near rivers and urged others to follow suit and respond to warnings from authorities.
The government is also preparing for the anticipated weather conditions and will issue further directives as needed. Sakaja warned that erratic weather could worsen pressure on households and farmers, particularly due to poor agricultural yields this year. He welcomed measures to reduce the cost of fertiliser but stressed the need for additional steps to protect vulnerable households from the economic impacts of unfavorable weather.
The governor’s warning comes as preparations intensify for the October-December rainfall season, with flood-prone communities expected to face heightened risks if heavy rains overwhelm drainage systems. Kenyans are urged to follow official weather forecasts and government advisories, and early action will be critical in protecting lives and property.
Written by urgent.news from Capital FM Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
