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Nairobi flood crisis: Governor Sakaja orders evacuations in risky areas

Floodwaters at Eastleigh's Seven Street on Third Avenue. (Photo: Abdirahman Khalif)

By Maureen Kinyanjui | 24 Apr 2024

Governor Sakaja has asked Nairobi residents to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to safeguard themselves and their property, particularly those living near riverbanks.

Following the ongoing flooding in the city, the Governor Johnson Sakaja-led administration has identified flood hotspots and ordered evacuations in vulnerable areas.

Affected areas in the Kamukunji Sub-county include the Kiambiu estate, Vihiga, Kasovo, Mabatini, Sewage, Magunda, Motherland and Mlolongo.

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In California Ward, Kanuku and Kinyago have been identified as flood hot spots while in Pumwani Ward, traders along the river in Gikomba have been told to vacate.

Also listed are Embakasi North's Two Rivers, Block G, Gitare Marigu, and Kanduma areas which are currently experiencing flooding.

In Kasarani, several neighbourhoods including Gachieko, Gituamba, Athi and Brookshine, Budalangi, Mwengenye in Njiru, and Infinity areas have been severely affected. Additionally, Mwisho wa Lami in Mwiki faces significant flooding, posing risks to residents' safety.

The situation is equally dire in Mathare, where areas such as Mathare North, Utallii 4A, Babadogo Laundry, Kasabuni, and Lucky Summer along the Ruaka River are inundated.

Similarly, in Kibra's Sarangombe ward, Gatwekera, Sokomoko, Gatwekera kwa Mwangi, Gatwekera Shofco, Gatwekera Riverside, Maranatha Kwa Muganda, and Soweto West near the footbridge are among the worst-hit areas.

In Makadara, communities in Ceareal Board Village, Gakuyo, Jamaica, Paradise, and Viwandani Sub-county along Ngong River are urged to vacate due to flooding.

Roysambu's Zimmerman ward, Kahawa ward, and Githurai ward also face significant inundation, affecting neighbourhoods such as Sidian, Njathaini, Kongo, Budalangi, Bosnia, and Giagishiri.

In Westlands, households along the Waititi River in Kangemi and Mountain View wards, as well as those near Githogoro in Karura ward and Kibagare Dam in Kitusuru ward, are urged to relocate immediately to safer grounds.

Embakasi South's Mkuru kwa Reuben area, including Feed the Children Zone, Riverside Zone, Gatoto Zone, Kariobangi Zone, and Cosovo Zone, is facing severe flooding, impacting over five schools in the area.

Additional areas including Huruma, Umoja 3 at Moulem, Choka, Utawala at Mihango, and Eastern Bypass next to Gravity Park are also experiencing flooding, necessitating urgent action from residents to ensure their safety.

Governor Sakaja has asked Nairobi residents to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to safeguard themselves and their property, particularly those living near riverbanks.

For emergencies, residents can contact the County through the hotline number 1508.

He assured residents that measures are being implemented to mitigate future risks and ensure the safety and well-being of all Nairobi residents.

"The Nairobi County Government remains committed to addressing the challenges posed by the heavy rains and flooding. We are dedicated to implementing measures to mitigate future risks," he added.