Nairobi Dam spillway opened ahead of El Niño rains

Nairobi Rivers Commission CEO Joseph Muracia says the emergency spillway at Nairobi Dam has been opened ahead of anticipated El Niño rains, urging downstream residents to keep away from flowing water as restoration works continue.

NAIROBI, Kenya Oct 19 – The Nairobi Rivers Commission has opened the emergency spillway at Nairobi Dam as authorities step up preparations for anticipated El Niño rains and embark on a wider restoration programme for the water body and its surrounding ecosystem.

In a statement issued on Monday, Nairobi Rivers Commission Chief Executive Officer Joseph Muracia said water was now flowing through the spillway as part of planned interventions to improve the dam’s readiness for heavy rainfall and reduce the risk of flooding in downstream areas.

The exercise is being undertaken in collaboration with relevant government agencies and the Nairobi City County Government as part of a broader effort to restore Nairobi’s river ecosystems and improve flood management.

Source: Capital FM