Government orders urgent drainage fix as Nairobi floods claim six lives
The floods, triggered by heavy rains, have overwhelmed drainage systems and caused significant damage to homes and infrastructure across parts of Nairobi. At least six people died overnight in Nairobi following heavy rains on Monday.
The Nairobi County government, Nairobi Sewerage Company and Nairobi River Commission have been directed to urgently fix the city’s drainage systems following recent flooding, which has claimed several lives.
Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku said the move is aimed at preventing further damage and ensuring the safety of residents as heavy rains continue to pound the city.
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He said the government has initiated urgent measures to address the devastating impact of ongoing floods and landslides in Nairobi County.
Ruku instructed the Principal Secretary of the State Department for Special Programmes to convene a multi-agency meeting aimed at crafting immediate mitigation strategies.
The directive also follows a tragic incident in Drive-In, Ruaraka Constituency, where a 23-year-old mother and her two young children lost their lives due to the floods.
During his visit to the affected area, Ruku disclosed that at least 55 households have been impacted, displacing nearly 200 residents.
“This is a heartbreaking tragedy. The government stands with the affected families, and we are committed to taking all necessary steps to protect lives and livelihoods,” he said.
He assured victims that relief food and essential supplies had already been dispatched to the area, with more support on the way. Through the State Department for Special Programmes, Ruku emphasised that the government would implement proactive measures to ensure the safety and welfare of all Kenyans in flood-prone regions.
The floods, triggered by heavy rains, have overwhelmed drainage systems and caused significant damage to homes and infrastructure across parts of Nairobi. At least six people died overnight in Nairobi following heavy rains on Monday. Police warned that the number could rise, as some individuals may have been swept downstream.
Nairobi police commander George Sedah said the boulder, in the Mathare 4a informal settlement, turned deadly after it collapsed on the victims. Local officials and humanitarian organisations have called for increased government intervention and long-term planning to prevent such tragedies.
“The boulder collapsed on the house due to the overflow of a nearby river, weakening its structure. The victims drowned after the home was crushed,” Sedah said.
Teams have, however, been mobilised for search and rescue missions. The incident led to local officials evicting other residents whose homes were at risk of flooding or being crushed by nearby rocks. Authorities have also warned that the rains will continue in the city.
In the Mukuru Kwa Reuben slums, one person died after being swept away by floods, and more than 500 residents were displaced. Two additional bodies were recovered from different parts of Nairobi, having drowned in floodwaters. One body was found in the Ngong River near Likoni Bridge in South B, while another was retrieved from floodwaters along Jogoo Road.
In response to the ongoing floods, rescue teams have been patrolling various areas for possible recoveries.
The Nairobi County government confirmed that teams have been mobilised to respond to the flooded areas, including unclogging blocked drainage systems.
The Kenya Meteorological Department has predicted that showers and thunderstorms will continue for the remaining part of the week, with most parts of the country experiencing rainfall.
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