Nairobi Governor Sakaja Johnson has urged multi-agency teams involved in the city’s ongoing El Niño preparedness operations to remain focused and guard against political interference, saying the interventions must prioritise the protection of lives and property as the October rains approach.

Sakaja spoke on Tuesday while inspecting drainage and flood-mitigation works at Drive Inn in Utalii Ward, Ruaraka Constituency; Githurai in Roysambu Constituency; and Upper Savanna in Embakasi East Constituency.

The Governor said teams were deepening and clearing drainage channels, opening up waterways and addressing flood-prone areas as part of a citywide operation targeting identified hotspots. The County is also working with national government agencies under a unified command structure to accelerate preparedness measures.

“I urge our people and everyone on the ground not to allow politics or politicians to hijack these El Niño interventions. We cannot play politics with the lives of our people. This is a noble cause aimed at saving lives and minimising the impact of the El Niño rains,” Sakaja said.

He challenged contractors, engineers and multi-agency teams to remain focused and not be intimidated or distracted from the ongoing works.

“To our contractors, engineers and multi-agency teams on the ground, do not be intimidated. Be firm and continue with the work. The interventions being undertaken across all 17 sub-counties are about protecting lives and property. Saving lives must come first.”

Sakaja said the County was also taking enforcement action against structures obstructing waterways and drainage corridors, as part of efforts to restore the free flow of storm water.

He pointed to the ongoing demolition of a wall near House of Grace in South C, as well as similar action along Naivasha Road, saying structures that have been dangerously constructed on waterways and pose a risk to residents would be removed.

“Currently, there is a wall near House of Grace in South C that is being demolished. The same has happened along Naivasha Road, and similar structures in other areas that have been dangerously built on waterways and pose a risk to our people will also be brought down.”

“We will not allow structures built on waterways to endanger lives and property. Where necessary, we will take decisive action to open up waterways and ensure that water can flow freely.”

During Tuesday’s inspections, Sakaja said drainage works were being prioritised across all 17 sub-counties, with teams clearing, deepening and widening drainage channels and waterways.

The Governor has also directed engineers and contractors to accelerate critical drainage and road works in flood-prone areas as the city steps up preparations for the expected rains.

Sakaja said the interventions would continue as October approaches, with the focus on early preparation, opening up drainage corridors and reducing the potential impact of heavy rains.