Sakaja Launches Fresh Nairobi Flood Measures as El Niño Rains Approach

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has announced fresh measures to prepare the city for the expected El Niño rains, with county teams clearing blocked waterways, drainage systems, and river channels ahead of the October-December 2026 rainfall season.

The county has deployed the Green Army and other environmental teams to clear blocked alleyways, unclog sewers and drainage systems, and remove silt and debris from river channels.

In addition, the teams are clearing waterways to ensure stormwater has clear pathways during periods of heavy rainfall, particularly in areas prone to flooding.

The county is carrying out the cleanup alongside major interventions under the Nairobi River Regeneration Programme.

Speaking during an interview on Inooro FM, Sakaja said the county had begun preparations before the rains arrive.

“We are preparing Nairobi before the rains come. Our teams are on the ground clearing blocked waterways, opening up drainage systems and ensuring that our rivers have the capacity to carry storm water. The widening of the Nairobi River under the regeneration programme is also part of this long-term preparedness.” Governor Sakaja said.

El Niño Rains Drive Nairobi River Widening

Meanwhile, the county is widening sections of the Nairobi River under the regeneration programme.

Also Read: Sakaja Slapped With Demands to Restore Nairobi’s Construction Approval System

The project will increase the river’s capacity to carry water and improve the overall flow of the river system.

At the same time, county teams are clearing silt and debris from river channels while unclogging sewers and drainage systems.

The county is therefore carrying out the drainage clean-up alongside the river regeneration work as part of preparations for the expected rains.

Nairobi Among High-Risk Areas

Nairobi is among the areas identified as facing flooding risks during the expected El Niño rains.

The Interior Ministry has identified 18 counties as high-risk areas, with Nairobi facing risks linked to urban flooding, blocked drainage systems and pressure on infrastructure.

Also Read: Weatherman Met Predicts Rain andThunderstorms in Several Counties This Week

The Kenya Meteorological Service has also warned of above-average rainfall as El Niño conditions develop.

KMSA assistant director for public weather services Hannah Kimani said the event has an 85 percent probability of intensifying and could continue into early 2027.

Consequently, Nairobi County is continuing to clear drainage systems and waterways while implementing works along the Nairobi River.

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A photo of Members of Nairobi’s Green Army who are clearing blocked waterways and drainage systems to prepare the city for the El Niño rains. PHOTO/Sakaja X