Nairobi Governor Sakaja Johnson has overseen the removal of illegal structures obstructing waterways along Naivasha Road in Kawangware, as the County intensifies flood-mitigation interventions ahead of the expected El Niño rains.
Speaking during an inspection of the ongoing works, Governor Sakaja said the removal of structures encroaching on waterways will continue across the city to restore drainage corridors and improve the flow of storm water.
“We are clearing every obstruction that stands in the way of our waterways. Structures built on drainage corridors cannot be allowed to compromise the safety of Nairobi residents. Where necessary, we will continue removing these structures and restoring the natural flow of water,” said Governor Sakaja.
He said similar operations are ongoing in Mlango Soko and other parts of Nairobi, as the County moves to clear blocked waterways and address areas vulnerable to flooding.
“This is not just about Kawangware; similar interventions are ongoing in Mlango Soko and other parts of Nairobi. We are systematically opening up blocked waterways and strengthening our drainage network ahead of the rains,” he said.
The exercise is part of wider flood-preparedness measures that include drainage clearance, desilting, deepening and widening of waterways, alongside the deployment of additional machinery to identified flood hotspots.
The Governor later inspected ongoing flood-mitigation works in Imara Daima, Kwa Njenga and the Governor’s Road area of Embakasi South and East, where teams are clearing and deepening drainage channels and opening up waterways.
“Our El Niño interventions are already underway across the city. We are deepening and widening drainage channels, desilting waterways and deploying machinery to identified hotspots. We will continue with urgency because these works are critical to protecting lives and property,” said Governor Sakaja.
The works are being undertaken as Nairobi steps up preparations for the anticipated heavy rains, with County engineers, contractors and other agencies working to address identified flood hotspots.
Governor Sakaja says the interventions will continue with urgency, with priority given to areas requiring immediate drainage improvements to enhance water flow and reduce the risk of flooding.
