Nairobi residents express fury over unending drainage woes

Flooded section near Uhuru Market, Nairobi. (Photo: Juma/X)

By Barack Oduor
Saturday, October 4, 2025

Nairobi County Environment Chief Officer Geoffrey Mosiria expressed frustration, noting that despite the county’s ongoing drainage efforts, some residents continue dumping waste into drainage channels, worsening the problem.

Residents of Nairobi on Saturday accused Nairobi City County Governor Johnson Sakaja’s administration of failing to resolve the perennial drainage problems that flood the city each time it rains, despite significant budget allocations.

This followed Friday evening’s downpour, which caused flooding in multiple parts of the city.

More To Read

Frustrations were widely expressed on social media platforms, especially on X, where users highlighted how rains regularly lead to street floods and severe traffic jams along major roads such as Thika Road, Ngong Road, and within the Central Business District (CBD).

Critics of Governor Sakaja’s administration also questioned the management of funds allocated for drainage projects.

Nairobi’s 2024/2025 budget included drainage initiatives such as the Nairobi Rivers Basin Restoration Programme, with Sh2,626,000 allocated in 2024; the Nairobi Water and Sanitation Project-Athi, with a budget of Sh4.03 billion; and the Nairobi Satellite Towns Water and Sanitation Program, with Sh200 million set aside for drainage-related work.

On his X post, Alfayaz 11, known for sharing updates on the city’s issues, from uncollected garbage to uncontrolled roadside advertisements, called for an end to what he described as the county leadership’s incompetence.

“They are openly trolling us and treating residents as if we are fools. Their arrogance and audacity will not last forever. This nonsense must come to an end,” he wrote.

Meanwhile, Nairobi County Environment Chief Officer Geoffrey Mosiria expressed frustration, noting that despite the county’s ongoing drainage efforts, some residents continue dumping waste into drainage channels, worsening the problem.

Mosiria emphasised that effective drainage management requires collective responsibility. He urged residents to assist by clearing trenches and drainage systems near their homes and businesses.

“Right now, we are on the ground in partnership with other county teams to unblock drainage systems causing flooding. But if you’re in a position to unblock drainage in front of your home or business, kindly do so. It’s a shared responsibility. Stay safe, drive carefully, and keep warm this rainy season," Mosiria said.

Mosiria’s appeal came as the Kenya Meteorological Department warned of intensifying rains across the country through the weekend. In a statement released on October 3, 2025, the department said ongoing rains affecting many areas were expected to increase in intensity and spread between Friday and Sunday.

“The ongoing rains over several parts of the country are expected to intensify in amount, spread, and intensity from today through Sunday. Rainfall is likely across parts of the Central Highlands, including Nairobi, the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, Western, and North-western regions,” the Department stated.

The agency forecast isolated heavy showers ranging from 20 to 50 millimetres within 24 hours, with some areas possibly exceeding 50 millimetres. “These intense rains may lead to localised flooding, slippery roads, and disruptions, so stay alert and plan your activities carefully,” the statement added.

The Department cautioned that heavy rains could disrupt daily activities, particularly in urban centres with limited drainage infrastructure. It warned of slippery roads, reduced visibility, and flood risks in low-lying and flood-prone communities.