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Sakaja suspends building approvals in Nairobi as floods claim four lives

Governor Sakaja Johnson in Mathare where residents were affected by the heavy rains. (Photo: Johnson Sakaja)

By Maureen Kinyanjui | 24 Apr 2024

The most affected areas include Kibra, Lindi, Mathare, Baba Dogo, Githurai, and Zimmerman, which have suffered extensive damage due to the relentless rains.

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja announced emergency measures on Wednesday to address the ongoing flood crisis.

Sakaja suspended all building approvals and excavation exercises in the city, acknowledging the havoc wreaked by the floods.

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Additionally, he has ordered the immediate evacuation of residents residing along riverbeds, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.

"All inhabitants along riverbeds and high areas must re-locate with immediate effect," Sakaja announced.

Acknowledging the severity of the situation, Sakaja said that four people had died and that the search is ongoing for six individuals reported missing.

To prevent further complications, Sakaja has ordered all Private Service Providers (PSPs) to ensure timely waste collection and disposal at designated sites such as the Dandora dumpsite.

Reports from City Hall indicate that approximately 60,000 individuals, predominantly women and children, have been severely affected by the flash floods.

The most affected areas include Kibra, Lindi, Mathare, Baba Dogo, Githurai, and Zimmerman, which have suffered extensive damage due to the relentless rains.

"Our mission was to see the extent of the flooding, to hear from some of the people affected, get a glimpse into the scale and scope of the response and interventions from the joint team provided by Nairobi county," Sakaja said.

Several bridges in the city, including Mathare North Bridge, Huruma Gateway Bridge, and Ngomongo Bridge, have been identified as severely affected, necessitating immediate attention.

Furthermore, the bursting of riverbanks, notably the Ngong River and Mau Mau River, has exacerbated flooding downstream, disrupting traffic and inundating residential areas.

Prompt action has been taken in affected areas such as Kiambiu informal settlement and Mukuru-Kayaba Slum, where households have been cleared of garbage obstructing stormwater flow.

Governor Sakaja has underscored the importance of addressing encroachment on waterways to mitigate future flooding incidents.

In collaboration with partners like the Kenya Red Cross, the county government is working tirelessly to provide relief to affected residents and mitigate future risks.

"While we are on the brink of a humanitarian crisis, there is a large-scale coordinated response operation ongoing under my leadership," he affirmed.

Emergency response teams, including the Green Army and various city departments, are on the ground providing support and clearing drainage systems.

Governor Sakaja has called upon road construction agencies to expedite rehabilitation efforts to prevent further crises and ensure the safety of residents.

Residents are urged to remain vigilant and contact the County hotline (1508) in case of emergencies.

As of April 23, 2024, the Red Cross Kenya has recorded 35 deaths and rescued over 188 people since the onset of the March-May rains. Additionally, extensive agricultural and infrastructural damage has been reported across 23 affected counties.