Residents living downstream of the Nairobi Dam have been placed on high alert following a warning of a possible flood disaster as water levels continue to rise dangerously due to ongoing heavy rains.
The Water Resources Authority has issued a precautionary notice urging hundreds of residents in affected areas to relocate immediately to safer grounds to avoid potential loss of life.
According to the Authority, the persistent rainfall experienced in Nairobi and other parts of the country has significantly increased the volume of water flowing into the dam, raising fears of an overflow or structural failure.
Areas at Risk
The areas identified as most vulnerable include Kibera, parts of Highrise, Lang’ata, South C, Mbagathi Way, and Madaraka—all of which lie downstream and could be severely affected in the event of flooding.
Hundreds of residents living and working in these locations now face an imminent threat, with authorities warning that immediate evacuation could be the difference between life and death.
Sakaja Urges Immediate Relocation
Johnson Sakaja has backed the warning, calling on residents to heed evacuation orders and avoid turning the crisis into a political issue.
“We must make tough decisions… if the dam was to burst today, we would lose so many lives. There are people who must move,” Sakaja said, expressing concern over the potential scale of destruction.
The governor also emphasized ongoing infrastructure improvements under the Nairobi Regeneration Program, aimed at restoring waterways and addressing drainage challenges across the city.
Flood Death Toll Climbs to 83
The warning comes as the nationwide death toll from floods rises to 83, highlighting the severity of the ongoing rains across Kenya.
In Baringo County, landslides have claimed lives in Kasaka and Kabarkebo villages in Baringo North. Among the victims was a woman, while a four-year-old child was swept away by floodwaters.
Residents described terrifying scenes as disaster struck in the middle of the night.
“We heard a loud roar at around 2:30 am and thought it was an earthquake,” said local resident Elvis Lagat.
Leaders in the region, including Kabartonjo Ward MCA Symon Kiplagat, confirmed the destruction of homes and loss of lives, even as rescue efforts continue.
Ongoing Rains Raise Fears
Authorities across the country are urging residents in flood-prone and landslide-risk areas to remain vigilant and relocate where necessary.
Local leaders in Baringo North warned that roads have become impassable in some areas, complicating rescue operations and access to affected communities.
The Kenya Meteorological Department has forecast continued heavy rainfall exceeding 20mm within 24 hours in several parts of the country until Tuesday, raising fears of further flooding and landslides.
Call for Caution
Security officials and disaster response teams have emphasized the need for caution, especially at night when risks are harder to detect.
As the situation unfolds, authorities continue to monitor water levels and weather patterns closely, urging Kenyans to prioritize safety and follow evacuation directives.
