Deputy President Kithure Kindiki outlined Nairobi’s preparations for possible flooding during the expected El Niño rains.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki says temporary shelters and emergency supplies are ready if flooding forces Nairobi residents from their homes.
The government has mapped flood-prone areas in Nairobi as Kenya prepares for heavy El Niño rains expected from October.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki said authorities have also identified areas where residents could require temporary relocation.
However, officials will only issue evacuation orders when flooding poses a serious threat to residents’ safety.
Kindiki spoke on Thursday, September 24, during a preparedness meeting in Karen, Nairobi. He urged residents to remain calm and follow official safety instructions.
Shelters Prepared for Possible Evacuations
The government has identified temporary holding grounds for people who may need to leave high-risk areas.
Authorities have also prepared food, non-food items and medical supplies for affected residents.
Kindiki said any relocation would happen with advance communication and respect for residents’ dignity.
He urged Kenyans to cooperate with security and disaster management officers if evacuation orders become necessary.
Weather projections indicate that Nairobi could experience heavy rainfall from the second or third week of October.
The government expects the rains to increase pressure on roads, drainage systems and electricity infrastructure.
Teams Clear Nairobi Flood Choke Points
Authorities have mapped drainage choke points that could worsen flooding across the capital.
Teams are now unclogging, dredging and reopening affected drainage channels and rivers.
The Nairobi County Government, Nairobi Rivers Commission, Green Army and Climate Works youth contingent are involved.
Kindiki directed the teams to speed up the work and ensure funding remains available.
The government has been carrying out similar drainage preparations across other flood-prone parts of the country.
Power Lines Face Heavy Rainfall Risks
The government is also inspecting power and transmission lines ahead of the rainy season.
Kindiki said falling trees could damage electricity infrastructure and trigger outages.
Kenya Power is working with national and county authorities to clear vulnerable sections around power lines.
Meanwhile, the government is also concerned about vandalism, theft and sabotage targeting critical energy infrastructure.
Kindiki said the matter would be presented to the National Security Council and other state agencies.
Government Monitors Other High-Risk Areas
The preparedness plan extends beyond Nairobi to regions facing different flooding risks.
Kindiki highlighted ASAL areas and the lower Tana River basin among areas requiring close monitoring.
The government has also mapped vulnerable areas and prepared response measures for communities facing floods and other weather-related emergencies.
Earlier government assessments identified multiple counties at risk from flooding, landslides and infrastructure damage during the October-December rains.
For now, authorities are urging residents to monitor official weather and safety updates.
Residents in high-risk areas should also follow relocation instructions if officials determine that remaining in place is unsafe.
