By Mulembe Times Reporter
Johnson Sakaja has ordered the preparation of a 48-hour emergency action plan to tackle flooding, drainage failures, and infrastructure damage across the city following an urgent high-level meeting with national government agencies at City Hall.
The directive comes as ongoing heavy rains that began on March 6 continue to wreak havoc across the capital, leaving several neighbourhoods submerged, roads damaged, and residents struggling to move through flooded streets.
Urgent Meeting at City Hall
Governor Sakaja convened a meeting attended by several Principal Secretaries and representatives from key national government agencies to assess the worsening flooding situation in the city.
During the meeting, Sakaja directed officials to prepare a comprehensive report within 48 hours outlining the extent of damage and proposing immediate interventions.
The report is expected to map out:
- Flood-prone drainage hotspots
- Roads and infrastructure damaged by floods
- The scope of rehabilitation work required
- Agencies responsible for each repair project
- Estimated costs for the recovery plan
The governor emphasized that the report will allow authorities to begin repairs immediately once the assessment is completed.
National Road Agencies to Assist
Sakaja called for collaboration with national road authorities to speed up the rehabilitation process.
These include:
- Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA)
- Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA)
- Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA)
According to the governor, county engineers have already conducted preliminary assessments, which must now be validated by the national agencies.
“Look at the assessment already done by the county engineers. Get that validated by KURA, incorporate KeNHA and KeRRA to do some roads in the city. Let us look at what Google and ESRI can assist with,” Sakaja said.
Focus on Roads and Street Lighting
The committee also resolved to prioritize the repair and recarpeting of roads damaged by the floods, which have made transportation difficult in several parts of Nairobi.
In addition, officials discussed the installation of new street lighting in informal settlements, highways, and residential estates to enhance safety and visibility, particularly during the ongoing rainy season.
The implementation committee is scheduled to reconvene on Thursday to review the final report and approve immediate interventions.
37 Nairobi Areas Identified as Flood-Prone
The developments come after the Ministry of Interior and National Administration identified 37 neighbourhoods in Nairobi as flood-prone zones.
According to the ministry, a mapping exercise conducted under the Nairobi Rivers Regeneration Programme revealed that the areas most vulnerable to flooding lie along major river corridors and tributaries of the Nairobi River.
These include settlements located:
- Downstream along sections of the Nairobi River
- Upstream and midstream areas of the river network
- Neighbourhoods where the river flows through densely populated zones
Authorities warn that these areas remain highly vulnerable whenever the city experiences heavy and sustained rainfall.
President Ruto Assures Kenyans of Swift Response
Meanwhile, William Ruto has assured Kenyans that the government is responding swiftly to the flood emergency.
In a statement on Sunday, the President said a multi-agency response team consisting of emergency services, security agencies, humanitarian teams, and technical departments is currently coordinating relief and response efforts in Nairobi and across the country.
The heavy rains have already caused widespread destruction, with the national death toll rising to 66 as of Sunday.
Google Introduces AI Flood Prediction Tool
In a related development, researchers at Google have developed a flash flood forecasting tool designed to help predict urban flooding risks up to 24 hours in advance.
The system, available through Flood Hub, uses satellite data to generate Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) images that allow algorithms to estimate the extent of flooding in real time.
Google says the technology combines Google Maps data and Gemini AI capabilities to produce rapid flood maps and estimate the areas likely to be affected.
However, the company cautioned that the tool’s accuracy can sometimes be affected by limitations in satellite imagery clarity, though improvements and updates are ongoing.
Growing Concern Over Urban Flooding
The latest floods have renewed concerns over Nairobi’s drainage systems, urban planning, and encroachment along riverbanks, issues that experts say have worsened the city’s vulnerability to heavy rains.
With more rainfall expected in the coming weeks, authorities are under pressure to implement rapid mitigation measures to prevent further loss of life and property damage.
