Nairobi County has activated a multi-agency preparedness plan ahead of the expected El Niño rains, with Governor Johnson Sakaja announcing that Ksh2.4 billion has been set aside for drainage and flood-mitigation works across the capital.
Sakaja convened representatives from the Kenya Red Cross, Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), National Disaster Management Authority, Nairobi County Disaster Management Team, Environment Department and Nairobi Rivers Commission at City Hall on Monday, August 17, according to a statement released by the governor.
The meeting established five specialised committees to coordinate preparations, emergency response and public communication as the county moves to address areas repeatedly affected by flooding.
“This calls for us to prepare together, act early and protect lives and property,” Sakaja said. Of the Ksh2.4 billion, Ksh2 billion will fund drainage and flood-mitigation works targeting 19 roads identified as vulnerable to flooding.
According to the county, tenders for the projects have already been awarded, with contractors expected to begin implementation after completion of the necessary processes.
Sakaja said the projects were designed to go beyond temporary interventions and address Nairobi’s long-standing drainage problems.
“The Ksh2 billion will support a comprehensive drainage overhaul that complements the ongoing Nairobi Regeneration Programme. Our goal is to permanently address the flooding challenges that have affected the city for many years,” he said.
The multi-agency team has identified 227 flood hotspots across Nairobi’s 17 sub-counties, providing a basis for prioritising resources and emergency interventions. The areas include locations with blocked or undersized drainage channels, roads requiring desilting and waste removal, river corridors and waterways vulnerable to obstruction, flood-prone roads and critical transport links.
The county will also monitor areas where buildings and other structures interfere with water flow, as well as communities considered vulnerable to flooding and likely to require early warnings, evacuation, shelter or relief assistance.
This identification comes a week after the Ministry of Interior identified 18 counties as high-risk areas ahead of the El Niño rains in 2026, Nairobi being among the counties placed under heightened watch.
Five Committees Activated
The new preparedness framework will operate through five committees covering Infrastructure and Drainage; Emergency Response and Evacuation; Shelter and Relief; Security and Traffic; and Communication.
The Infrastructure and Drainage committee will coordinate the clearing and improvement of drains, rivers and other critical infrastructure.
The Emergency Response and Evacuation committee will oversee rescue, evacuation and rapid response during flooding incidents.
The Shelter and Relief committee will prepare emergency shelters and coordinate the provision of food, water, medical assistance and other support to affected residents.
Meanwhile, the Security and Traffic committee will manage security, traffic and emergency access, particularly in areas where flooding could disrupt transport.
The Communication committee will be responsible for early warnings, public alerts and timely information to residents before and during heavy rains.
The county said it is mobilising personnel, equipment and other resources to clear blocked drains, remove accumulated silt and waste and strengthen emergency response systems in the identified hotspots.
Sakaja also called for cooperation from residents, residents’ associations and other stakeholders, particularly in high-risk areas.
The Governor said residents would need timely information on potential flooding and clear guidance on what action to take when heavy rains occur.
The multi-agency structure is intended to eliminate gaps between government agencies with different responsibilities, allowing them to coordinate operations rather than responding to emergencies separately.
With the El Niño rains expected to put pressure on Nairobi’s already strained drainage network, the county hopes the Ksh2 billion infrastructure programme and expanded emergency coordination system will reduce flooding, protect residents and limit disruption to roads and other critical infrastructure.
