As relentless rains continue to pound the country, threatening to worsen flooding that has already displaced thousands and claimed lives, authorities are scrambling to address the crisis.
The downpour, forecasted to intensify with up to 58mm expected on Friday and Saturday, has highlighted longstanding issues of poor drainage and illegal occupation of riparian land. These problems have been starkly revealed by floods that have left many homeless and claimed the lives of at least 10 people this week alone.
Questions are being raised about the preparedness of county governments to handle such emergencies. Images of submerged estates and impassable roads have prompted concerns about the lack of proactive measures to mitigate flood risks.
In response to mounting pressure, Nairobi County Governor, Johnson Sakaja, announced plans for rapid improvements in drainage systems. The county has secured a substantial sum of Ksh21 billion from the Africa Development Bank and the French Development Agency to fund these efforts.
In an interview with Milele FM on Friday, April 26, Sakaja disclosed that the county has procured three boats to aid in emergency rescues. Already, these boats have been instrumental in saving 150 people stranded by the floods.
Sakaja asserted that the county government alongside the national government has identified areas where people have built on riparian land and will be demolishing the buildings to create waterways.
The governor further stated, “We will not allow people to rebuild on riparian lands.”
The situation in Nairobi is dire, with over 30,000 people displaced, according to the United Nations. Recent incidents, including the harrowing rescue of 18 individuals, including seven children, underscore the urgency of the situation.
Senator Edwin Sifuna took to social media to express concerns over the overwhelmed local government and appealed for federal assistance.
The Meteorological Department has issued warnings of heavy to very heavy rains exceeding 40mm in 24 hours starting Thursday. The forecast indicates that the intensity of the rains will escalate, with some areas expected to receive over 100mm.
Calls for declaring the flooding a national disaster are gaining traction, with opposition leader Raila Odinga urging the government to take decisive action. Odinga stressed the need for immediate mobilization of resources to avert further loss of life and property.
In response to the crisis, the government has committed to sending daily alerts to inform Kenyans of potential flood risks. Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua asserted that the updates will be important in preventing calamities caused by flash floods.
Furthermore, a multi-agency centre has been activated to monitor the flooding situation across the country. President William Ruto convened an emergency meeting to coordinate a multi-agency response, with a focus on evacuation efforts and ensuring the safety of vulnerable communities.
He assured the public that the government would spare no effort in protecting lives and mitigating the impact of the disaster.
