Nairobi residents living along riverbeds ordered to relocate
Nairobi residents living along riverbeds and high areas have been ordered to relocate with immediate effect following flooding incidences in the city.
In a statement on Monday, April 22, 2024, the Nairobi County Government also ordered that all excavations along riparian land be suspended immediately.
The orders came after Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja chaired a multiagency team following the heavy rains witnessed in Nairobi over the weekend leading to flooding and destruction of property.
"In the meeting, it was agreed the multi-agency teams, with representatives from both national and county, would work together to continue mapping out the affected areas, address some of the key issues leading to flooding including evacuating residents living in Riparian areas, illegal dumping in the river and unclogging drainages," the statement read in part.
The City County has also ordered private service providers (PSPs) to stop illegal garbage dumping in undesignated areas. They have been ordered to transport all the waste collected to the Dandora dumpsite.
"Any PSP found not adhering to this their vehicles will be impounded, and PSP licences withdrawn," the statement added.
Nairobi's flood-prone areas
Some of the members of the multi-agency teams surveyed hard-hit areas including Mukuru kwa Reuben, Elite Estate on Ole Dume Road and surrounding areas, Gatina Ward (Facebook grounds), and Isaac Gathanju Road where residents suffered major losses.
Other affected areas include Ngong River which has affected Mbagathi Roundabout, flooding in Ectoville Industrial Estate in Mukuru kwa Rueben Ward, and flooding in Mwiki Ward along the Eastern bypass.
The Mau Mau River also burst its riverbanks affecting churches and residential houses flooded in Westlands.
In Starehe Sub-county, in the Kiambiu informal settlement, at least 10 households have been affected.
"We already have an excavator clearing garbage that is interfering with the flow of storm waters," the statement added.
A bridge in Nairobi’s Mukuru-Kayaba Slum in South B was swept away.
The county says that in Loyangalani, Isaac Gathanju and Convent Road, flooding was caused by encroachment on water wayleaves.
"All citizens to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to safeguard themselves and their property, especially those living near riverbanks. Please heed all warnings and advisories issued by the relevant authorities and avoid unnecessary travel in flood-prone areas," the county added.
In case of an emergency, residents have been advised to reach the county through the hotline number 1508.
The Monday meeting was attended by agencies from national and county governments including County Executive Committee Members (CECs), County Chief Officials (CCO), Regional County Commander (RCC), the National Disaster Operations Centre (NDOC), District County Commission (DCC), Nairobi City Water & Sewerage Company (NCWSC) and Kenya Red Cross among other agencies.
