Nairobi MCA proposes comprehensive response strategy for national disasters

Nominated MCA Nasra Nanda has urged the national government to implement a comprehensive flood response and resilience strategy. 

Nasra, in a letter addressed to the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA), said the strategy, which will comprise immediate, medium, and long-term measures, will be used to coordinate flood risk mitigation and relief efforts in Nairobi.

She further highlighted the overwhelming challenges facing communities affected by flooding and called for immediate action to provide support and resilience.

"As part of the Disaster Response Team with the Kenya Red Cross, I have witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of the floods on our communities," Nasra stated.

The legislator emphasised the urgent need for coordinated flood relief efforts in the city.

"It is imperative that we act swiftly and decisively to address the crisis at hand." Nasra outlined several key measures to mitigate the effects of the floods, including the postponement of school reopening to allow public institutions to continue serving as shelters.

She also proposed the creation of funds to provide cash assistance for shelter, medical supplies, and food to affected households.

These measures aim to alleviate the immediate hardships faced by flood-affected families and ensure their well-being during this crisis.

Furthermore, Nasra underlined the importance of involving the Kenya Red Cross in relief distributions to ensure accountability and effective data mapping. ICT support would also be provided to facilitate the tracing of separated family members, especially children.

Looking ahead, Nasra called for the establishment of a working group comprising experts to address long-term solutions for flood risk mitigation, urban planning, waste management, and public health.

"We must not only respond to the current crisis but also work towards building resilience and preparedness for future disasters," Nasra asserted.

In conclusion, the MCA urged swift action from relevant authorities to implement the proposed measures and provide much-needed relief to the flood-affected communities in Nairobi.

Members of the Kenya Coast Guard Service are seen on a rescue mission following floods in Tana River. (Photo: File)

"Together, we can overcome this challenge and build a more resilient city for all," Nasra, of the Azimio La Umoja coalition, concluded.

Meanwhile, the MCA recognised efforts by Eastleigh Voice reporter Hanifa Adan, who mobilised funds and provided household items such as mattresses, blankets, and water to Mathare 4A, Mabatini, and Kosovo residents. Within 24 hours, Hanifa had raised over Sh800,000 to help flood-displaced residents.

Other than addressing the letter to the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA), Nasra also forwarded her recommendations to Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, Senator Edwin Sifuna, and Cabinet Secretaries for Education (Ezekiel Machogu) and Health (Sussan Nakhumicha). 

Already, the Ministry of Education has postponed the reopening of all primary and secondary schools initially scheduled for Monday, April 29, 2024.

In a statement on Monday, CS Machogu directed all schools to reopen on May 6, 2024, due to the ongoing heavy rainfall across the country.

The decision followed an intensive assessment carried out last week, where field officers were instructed to gather data from all Basic Education Learning Institutions to evaluate the impact of the rains on school readiness for the upcoming second term.

"Based on this assessment, the Ministry of Education has resolved to postpone the reopening of all primary and secondary schools by one week, to Monday, May 6, 2024," Machogu said.

The Kenya Meteorology Department (Kenya Met) issued an update on Sunday informing Nairobi residents to brace themselves for a heavy downpour, with several areas expected to be hit by floods.

Noting that the heavy rains will not relent soon, with flooding expected to continue, Kenya Met cautioned residents to stay ‘weather alert’.

"Heavy rainfall is expected in parts of the Nairobi metropolitan area this Sunday. Stay weather-aware," the Kenya Met noted.

The Nairobi Metropolitan Area refers to the entire Nairobi County, with parts of neighbouring Kiambu, Machakos, and Kajiado counties.

Areas likely to be impacted by flooding occasioned by the heavy downpour and poor drainage system, some of which were clogged, included Starehe, Makadara, Kamukunji, Embakasi West, and parts of Embakasi Central.

Also placed on alert are residents of Mathare, where rainfall ranging between 50 and 70 millimetres is expected, with flooding likely to strike.