Nairobi Seeks Sh5.17B For Flood Response Ahead Of El Niño

Nairobi County is seeking Sh5.17 billion for flood prevention and emergency response as Governor Johnson Sakaja warns that up to 100,000 people could be affected.

Speaking on Monday, October 12, 2026, during the Second National Development Implementation Committee meeting in Nairobi, Sakaja said the county had identified 227 flood hotspots across 17 sub-counties and was racing to complete critical drainage works before rainfall intensifies.

He said the worst-case scenario could affect 20,000 households, particularly those living in informal settlements along the Nairobi, Mathare and Ngong rivers.

The county has cleared 80 per cent of riparian areas along the three rivers and completed work at 26 of 61 drainage sites requiring clearing and repairs. However, Sakaja warned that delays in national government projects, limited equipment and funding constraints could slow preparations.

Sakaja said areas such as Mathare, Kibera and Mukuru faced heightened flood risks because of their proximity to rivers and existing drainage challenges.

Source: Y News