Nairobi steps up preparations as heavy rains loom

By Makena Laban

 Nairobi steps up preparations as heavy rains loom.

With El Niño rains forecast for October to December 2026, Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya is stepping up preparations to avert any calamities as authorities warn the heavy rains could lead to flooding, landslides and destruction.

The government has activated a multi-agency preparedness framework that brings together national and county governments, security agencies, health authorities, road agencies, humanitarian organisations and local administrators.

According to the director of the National Disaster Operations Centre, Col (Rtd) David Samoei, the authorities are not leaving anything to chance, with emphasis on early warning, evacuation planning and the protection of lives and property.

The preparations come as the World Meteorological Organisation says El Niño is firmly established and is expected to strengthen into a very strong event towards the end of 2026.

The Kenya Meteorological Service Authority has forecast above-average rainfall across most of the country. The rains are expected to be fairly well distributed in many areas, but forecasters have warned of prolonged wet spells, intense storms and heavy rainfall events.

According to Samoei, Nairobi, Central Kenya and parts of the eastern highlands are likely to experience the onset of the rains during the second to third week of October.

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja on Monday received progress reports from multi-agency teams involved in the city’s preparedness efforts, including the National Government Administrative Officers (NGAO), National Police Service, Green Nairobi, Disaster Management teams, Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), Kenya Red Cross and Nairobi’s boroughs.

Sakaja directed the teams to accelerate ongoing drainage and flood-mitigation works, particularly in areas identified as flood hotspots.

“All the agencies involved have to be represented at the highest level so that we can make decisions from our command centre. We just need to have the people needed here,” Sakaja said.

Residents are also encouraged to report rising water levels, ground cracks, blocked culverts, damaged bridges and weakened buildings before they become emergencies.

Nairobi has been undertaking drainage clearance, desilting, widening and deepening of waterways, while additional earth-moving equipment has been deployed to areas considered vulnerable to flooding.

Sakaja further directed authorities to relocate residents living along major rivers and on riparian land in areas considered high-risk.

The National Disaster Operations Centre is also circulating public advisories on heavy-rainfall hazards, including flooding and the possible collapse of structurally weak buildings.

Members of the public can report incidents or seek emergency coordination support through the centre's toll-free number, 0800 721 571.

The Nairobi City County Government has announced plans to prepare a new development plan for the Nairobi River Corridor.

Gazette Notice published on September 25 and signed by Patrick Mbogo, CECM for Built Environment and Urban Planning, states that the Nairobi River Corridor Special Planning Area Local Physical and Land Use Development Plan will be prepared under Section 47 of the Physical and Land Use Planning Act, 2019.

According to the notice, the proposed plan will provide a framework for river regeneration and flood hazard mitigation within the Nairobi River corridor.

It will also guide riparian land use and redevelopment, including infrastructure development in the area. Construction of social and affordable housing is also included in the proposed development plan

This Nairobi River framework will cover associated social and physical infrastructure required alongside the housing developments.