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Reconstruction of flood-damaged bridges in Nairobi begins ahead of schools' reopening

Kiambiu youth construct a makeshift bridge after the floods swept away a footbridge. (Photo: Justine Ondieki)

By Maureen Kinyanjui | 01 May 2024

Among the bridges slated for reconstruction are the Huruma-Gateway bridge, Ngumba Bridge, Ngomongo, Githathuru footbridge, Kiambui to City Carton, and Kiambiu to Jericho.

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has announced the start of the reconstruction of 17 bridges damaged by recent floods in the city.

The Governor said contractors have been mobilised and are on-site to ensure completion before schools reopen.

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"I can confirm that we are starting the reconstruction of those bridges to make sure our children can go to school," Sakaja said on Wednesday.

Among the bridges slated for reconstruction are the Huruma-Gateway bridge, Ngumba Bridge, Ngomongo, Githathuru footbridge, Kiambui to City Carton, and Kiambiu to Jericho.

The governor stressed the importance of reinstalling bridges swept away by floods, particularly in areas severely affected by the recent inundation, before the start of the second school term.

Speaking at Uhuru Gardens during the Labour Day celebrations, Sakaja expressed gratitude to the President for his support during the flood-related tragedies.

"This year's Labour Day comes at a time when we have lost a number of our people due to floods. I thank the President for standing with Kenyans in this time. That solidarity means a lot to the people," he said.

The governor also highlighted the extensive impact of the floods on Nairobi, noting that eight rivers, including Ngong, Mathare, and Nairobi, had overflowed.

"We have agreed as Nairobi leaders that all those who were displaced and lived along riparian lands should not go back, and we have agreed with residents. We need to secure the riparian areas," Sakaja added.

Hundreds of thousands displaced

In the latest update issued on Tuesday, Government Spokesman Isaac Mwaura revealed that the floods have displaced 30,214 households comprising approximately 190,942 persons and 169 fatalities.

Nairobi County is the worst hit with 147,031 people displaced accounting for over 77 percent of those displaced countrywide.

Governor Sakaja said that 16 people in Nairobi had perished due to the floods but assured that his government was addressing the situation.

Out of the households affected by the floods, 13,000 had sought refuge in the camps set up by the county government.

However, the county boss said the number was decreasing.

Sakaja noted that out of the 31 camps that had been established, only 10, which are situated in Mathare and Ruaraka sub-counties are currently occupied.

Sakaja said besides giving them shelter, the county has been keen to use the Dishi na County programme to feed the displaced persons.

"We are deliberating closing down these camps by the end of the week. We want to provide them with the resources to enable them to get new places," he said.