Sakaja says most El Niño hotspots cleared as Nairobi collects 100,000 tonnes of garbage in a month

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja praised the coordinated efforts to manage the anticipated El Niño rains, noting that these collaborative interventions had helped clear several flood risk hotspots. In the past month, Nairobi had collected over 100,000 tonnes of garbage, averaging approximately 3,200 tonnes daily, as part of the intensified waste management and drainage clearance operations.

The county's initiatives included unclogging drainage systems, clearing waterways, collecting and disposing waste, and undertaking desilting and dredging along the Nairobi, Mathare, and Ngong rivers. Sakaja attributed these successes to the joint efforts of county departments and national agencies, emphasizing the importance of working together to mitigate the impact of the impending rains.

The governor highlighted a six-point intervention plan designed to safeguard lives and property during the El Niño season, focusing on restoring waterways, protecting high-risk flood zones, maintaining cleanliness, community mobilization, inter-agency coordination, and strengthening emergency response teams. Despite the progress made, Sakaja reiterated that the county remains vigilant, as the Kenya Meteorological Department warned that the rains could begin at any time.

He stressed the importance of continued public cooperation, proper waste disposal, and adherence to safety measures to ensure the city's preparedness remains effective.