Sakaja urges Nairobi residents to heed evacuation alerts ahead of El Niño rains

Nairobi residents residing in flood-prone regions have been advised to prepare for the anticipated October El Niño rains and relocate to safer zones at the earliest indication from authorities. Governor Johnson Sakaja of the Nairobi County disclosed that the local government is taking steps to mitigate the risk of flooding by addressing drainage issues prior to the onset of the rains.

He called upon residents to stay vigilant, collaborate with the relevant authorities, and adhere to evacuation directives if they are mandated to temporarily abandon vulnerable areas. The county has delineated flood-prone areas throughout the Nairobi metropolis in order to pinpoint locations where drainage and water-flow challenges necessitate immediate action.

Green Army and ClimateWorX teams are engaged in drainage maintenance across the city’s 17 sub-counties, focusing on clearing drainage channels, culverts, and waterways of debris such as silt, garbage, and other obstructions that may impede the flow of rainwater. The county is also undertaking the widening, deepening, cleaning, and unclogging of drainage systems in various parts of the city to augment their capacity in anticipation of the rainy season.

Governor Sakaja urged residents in vulnerable areas to vacate temporarily at the earliest signs and cooperate with the authorities, emphasizing that early action is crucial for safeguarding lives and curbing the impact of flooding. He stated that these measures aim to prevent flooding and ensure a proactive response to the rains, rather than reacting once flooding has occurred.

Governor Sakaja also solicited residents' support by encouraging participation in clean-up efforts, maintaining clear drainage areas, and remaining attentive to official communications. The county government assured that drainage works will continue in different neighborhoods as teams prepare the city's infrastructure to manage increased water flow during the rainy season.