How blocked drainage systems, open sewers threaten lives, businesses in Eastleigh
When it rains in Eastleigh, stormwater from the Pumwani area flows through these sewer lines. Once it reaches the blocked sections, the water overflows into the roads, affecting the movement of people and cars.
Many sewer systems along major roads in Eastleigh are blocked or filled to capacity, causing flooding and posing safety risks to residents, businesses, and road users.
The most affected are those along General Wariungi Street, where most of the drains are clogged with dirt and debris. Some of them remain open after their lids curved in or were destroyed.
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From the Nomad hotel area all the way to Shah Ma’aan, many sewer systems are full of garbage. The few clean ones are wide open, making them both a safety hazard and a collection point for waste.
The systems near the Ismariot Hotel are open, exposing deep openings along the road. Motorists and pedestrians often have to navigate carefully around them to avoid accidents.
When it rains in Eastleigh, stormwater from the Pumwani area flows through these sewer lines. Once it reaches the blocked sections, the water overflows into the roads, affecting the movement of people and cars.
At Thirteen Street Roundabout near Yare Towers, the overflow often forms a large pool that locals describe as a “temporary lake.” The water can take several days to evaporate or dry up completely.
During heavy rain, the overflow spreads along other streets, including Yusuf Haji Avenue, disrupting business activities and movement. Hawkers who operate along the avenue say they are frequently forced to close or move their stalls during flooding.
During the dry season, garbage trapped in the sewer systems emits a strong smell that spreads across the streets, making the environment unpleasant for both workers and residents.
The sewer systems near the Ismariot Hotel. (Abdirahman Khalif)
Around the Shah Ma’aan area, residents say the sewer lines have not been unclogged for months.
The flooding affects both road users and businesses that rely on foot traffic.
Residents are now calling on the Nairobi City County government and the Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company to intervene and clean up the drainage systems.
Lenard Ojiambo, a motorbike rider who operates near Shah Ma’aan, said the flooding affects his work.
“It gets very hard to carry out my work when it rains because the streets end up flooding,” he said.
Ojiambo also blamed small eateries and miraa sellers for dumping waste into the drains. “They dump miraa wastes and leftovers on the system. With time, it gets blocked, making it hard for all of us when it rains.”
Fatuma Hirsi, who runs a small eatery in the area, called on the city’s environment department to act quickly.
“The green army should be sent here to unclog these systems. The blockage is causing us problems,” she said.
Fatuma also noted that the bad smell from the open drains makes the area uncomfortable for both her customers and other road users.
Around Baraka Bazar, open sewer lines have caused accidents. Some people have fallen inside the sewer lines while trying to cross.
“A taxi dropped a young girl here last night, and she tried to jump from one end to another. Unfortunately, she fell into the sewer. This has happened many times,” said Brian Lusambu, who operates matatus along the Eastleigh–Nairobi CBD route.
Residents are urging immediate action to cover open drains and unclog blocked systems before the next rainy season.
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