Nairobi Governor Sakaja Johnson has commended the team coordinating the county’s El Niño preparedness efforts, saying joint interventions have helped address flood risks in several hotspots as the anticipated rains approach.

Sakaja said Nairobi had collected more than 100,000 tonnes of garbage in one month as the county intensified waste management, drainage clearance and river restoration works to minimise the risk of flooding.

The operation has focused on unclogging drainage systems, clearing waterways, collecting and disposing of waste, and undertaking desilting and dredging along the Nairobi, Mathare and Ngong rivers.

The county currently collects approximately 3,200 tonnes of garbage daily, with the operations aimed at preventing waste from obstructing drainage channels and waterways.

“Through the coordinated efforts of our teams, particularly the Green Army, which has been cleaning the city, unclogging drainage systems and collecting and disposing of waste, we have collected more than 100,000 tonnes of garbage in just one month, averaging approximately 3,200 tonnes daily,” Sakaja said.

The Governor says the interventions had helped reduce the risk of flooding in several El Niño hotspots, particularly areas where illegal dumping and accumulated silt had affected water flow.

“These efforts have helped reduce the risk of flooding in several El Niño hotspots. In areas where illegal dumping had obstructed river channels, our teams have undertaken desilting and dredging to improve water flow and minimise the risk of rivers bursting their banks,” he said.

Sakaja attributed the progress to closer coordination between county departments and national government agencies, saying the decision to work jointly had strengthened the response.

“The decision to come together and work as a team, rather than in silos, has helped us achieve a lot. So far, the impact of the anticipated El Niño rains has been mitigated through our interventions, and we are continuing to do everything possible to address the risks,” he said.

The Governor said the county’s response is anchored on a six-point intervention plan designed to protect lives and property before, during and after the rains.

The first pillar involves restoring the capacity of Nairobi’s major waterways, including the Nairobi, Mathare and Ngong rivers, through desilting, dredging, deepening and reclaiming riparian corridors to improve water flow.

The second intervention targets residents living in high-risk flood zones, particularly those occupying riparian reserves and areas prone to flooding. The county has urged residents in vulnerable locations to cooperate with efforts to move them to safer areas where necessary.

The third pillar focuses on keeping Nairobi clean through regular garbage collection, unclogging drainage systems and clearing waterways. The county has deployed its Green Army personnel across the city to support the operations.

The fourth intervention uses Nairobi’s six-borough administrative system to strengthen community mobilisation and public awareness. Through local administrative structures, residents are being sensitised on flood risks, safety precautions and the appropriate action to take during emergencies.

The fifth pillar brings together county and national government agencies, including the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA), Kenya Red Cross and disaster management teams, to coordinate drainage works, evacuations, rescue operations and other emergency interventions.

The sixth intervention focuses on strengthening the capacity of emergency response teams through training and simulation exercises aimed at testing preparedness, coordination and rescue capabilities.

Sakaja said that despite the progress made, the county was maintaining its readiness as the Kenya Meteorological Department warned that the rains could begin at any time.

“Our efforts are ongoing, and we continue to strengthen our preparedness. The Kenya Meteorological Department has advised that the rains could begin at any time, and we have made significant progress in getting the city ready. However, there is still more work to be done, and our teams remain on the ground to ensure that we respond effectively,” he said.

The county’s preparations also include identifying flood-prone locations, strengthening community-based disaster response teams and improving coordination for evacuations and emergency interventions.

Sakaja urged residents to remain vigilant, avoid dumping waste in drainage channels and cooperate with authorities where safety measures, including evacuations, are necessary.

He also called on residents, businesses and private garbage collectors to take responsibility for keeping their surroundings clean, warning that irresponsible waste disposal could undermine efforts to reduce flooding.

As the county continues its drainage, river restoration and waste management operations, the Governor said the focus remains on reducing flood risks through early intervention, coordinated emergency response and public participation.