Nairobi has launched a Sh2.4 billion flood mitigation plan ahead of expected El Niño rains, with Governor Johnson Sakaja coordinating 227 identified hotspots across 17 sub-counties to prevent flooding. The initiative includes Sh2 billion for drainage upgrades and multi-agency teams to manage emergency response.
Nairobi County has mobilized a Sh2.4 billion flood preparedness plan as the Kenya Meteorological Department forecasts an 81 per cent probability of heavy El Niño rains, with a 97 percent likelihood that the rains will continue into January 2027. The plan, unveiled by Governor Johnson Sakaja, targets 227 flood-prone hotspots across 17 sub-counties, focusing on drainage improvements, emergency response, and community protection.
Multi-Agency Teams Tackle Flood Risks
Sakaja established five sub-committees to manage the response, including Infrastructure and Drainage, Emergency Response and Evacuation, Shelter and Relief, Security and Traffic, and Communication. These teams will prioritize 16 very high priority locations, 189 high priority sites, and 22 medium priority areas, according to the Nairobi County government. The Infrastructure and Drainage Committee will oversee clearing blocked drains and improving waterways, while the Emergency Response team will coordinate evacuations and rescue operations.
The plan builds on the Nairobi Regeneration Programme, with Sh2 billion allocated for drainage works on 19 flood-prone roads. Contractors have been selected, and projects are nearing implementation after administrative processes. This calls for us to prepare together, act early and protect lives and property,
Sakaja said, citing the need for proactive measures to avoid past flooding crises.
227 Hotspots Identified for Targeted Action
A multi-agency assessment identified 227 locations vulnerable to flooding, including areas with blocked drainage systems, silted waterways, and roads prone to inundation. Communities in Dagoretti North, Mathare, Embakasi North, Embakasi South, and Makadara face heightened risks, requiring early warnings, evacuation plans, and relief support. The Nairobi Rivers Commission and Kenya Urban Roads Authority are among the agencies involved in monitoring and addressing these sites.
Nairobi rolls out Sh2.4bn flood plan as El Niño
The county government emphasized that these hotspots will guide resource deployment, including equipment, personnel, and emergency supplies. We have decided to be very proactive this time to make sure we protect lives and safeguard the property of the people of Nairobi,
Sakaja stated, underscoring the urgency of the measures.
Funding and Long-Term Infrastructure Upgrades
The Sh2.4 billion programme includes both immediate flood prevention and long-term infrastructure upgrades. The Sh2 billion allocated for drainage projects will address recurring issues along critical roads, while additional funding supports emergency response capabilities. The Kenya National Highways Authority and National Disaster Management Authority are collaborating on the initiative, which aims to reduce disruptions to transport and essential services during the rainy season.
Sakaja highlighted that the drainage overhaul complements the Nairobi Regeneration Programme, which seeks to permanently resolve flooding challenges. The Ksh2 billion will support a comprehensive drainage overhaul that complements the ongoing Nairobi Regeneration Programme. Our goal is to permanently address the flooding challenges that have affected the city for many years,
he said.
Proactive Measures Amid Climate Uncertainty
The preparations follow the forecast of heavy El Niño rains. By dividing the response into specialized sub-committees, the county aims to streamline operations and improve coordination. The Communication Committee will manage public alerts, while the Security and Traffic Committee ensures emergency access remains unobstructed.
The Kenya Meteorological Department’s forecast underscores the urgency of the measures. With the rainy season expected to peak between October and December, the plan seeks to mitigate risks to residents, businesses, and critical infrastructure. The Sh2 billion will support a comprehensive drainage overhaul that complements the ongoing Nairobi Regeneration Programme. Our goal is to permanently address the flooding challenges that have affected the city for many years,
Sakaja reiterated.
Sakaja Establishes 5 Teams to Prepare Nairobi for El
Additional Details from Multi-Agency Coordination
The multi-agency coordination framework includes the Kenya Red Cross, Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), National Disaster Management Authority, Nairobi County Disaster Management Team, Environment Department, and Nairobi Rivers Commission, among other agencies. A meeting on August 17, 2026, convened county departments and agencies to finalize the response structure, as reported by the Nairobi County government.
The 227 hotspots identified by the multi-agency teams will serve as priority areas for preparedness measures, deployment of equipment and resources, and emergency interventions. The assessment identified locations with blocked or undersized drainage systems, areas requiring desilting and waste removal, as well as river corridors and waterways vulnerable to obstruction. The teams also identified roads and major transport routes prone to flooding, including areas where heavy rains could disrupt access for emergency response teams.
Communities considered vulnerable to flooding will receive particular attention, with the county preparing measures including early warnings, evacuation, temporary shelter, and relief assistance where necessary. The Infrastructure and Drainage Committee will oversee the clearing and improvement of drainage networks, rivers, and other critical infrastructure. The Emergency Response and Evacuation Committee will coordinate rescue operations, rapid response, and evacuation in the event of flooding.
The Shelter and Relief Committee will identify safe accommodation facilities and coordinate the provision of food, water, medical care, and other essential supplies to affected residents. The Security and Traffic Committee will oversee security, traffic management, and access for emergency response teams, while the Communication Committee will coordinate early warnings, public alerts, and timely updates to residents. The county government said the multi-agency approach is intended to ensure Nairobi is better prepared before the rains intensify and reduce the loss of lives, destruction of property, and disruption of transport and other essential services.
Photo Documentation of Past Flooding
A photo collage of floods at Sultan Hamud along Mombasa Road on Saturday, April 22, 2023, was published by the National Police Service to illustrate the risks addressed by the current plan. This event underscored the need for coordinated efforts to prevent recurring disasters. The Nairobi County government reiterated its commitment to preventing similar scenarios through the newly established multi-agency framework.
