Nairobi floods: County calls for caution among residents
The CEC also ordered the immediate removal of structures constructed on top of drainage systems.
Sunday's heavy rainfall in Nairobi caused widespread flooding in sections of the city, causing chaos in its wake, as the local county government called for caution.
In videos and pictures seen online, vehicles were submerged in the flooding as roads including the Mama Ngina Street were rendered impassable.
Nairobi County Government Chief Officer for Environment Geoffrey Mosiria, in a statement on X, called on drivers to be cautious on major roads within the city and advised residents living near riparian land to move.
"There have been heavy downpours in Nairobi this evening, and the rain is still ongoing. To residents living near riparian land, please move at least 30 meters away from both sides of the river. We do not want to lose any lives," said Mosiria.
"Failure to comply will result in appropriate action being taken to relocate you, in order to safeguard your well-being."
The CEC also ordered the immediate removal of structures constructed on top of drainage systems.
"A notice had already been issued to that effect, and the County Government will not hesitate to arrest and take legal action against anyone who fails to comply. We also call upon Nairobi residents to help us identify areas with illegal structures blocking drainage systems, which are contributing to flooding in some estates," he remarked.
City residents were also urged to report such cases by dialing 1508.
Meanwhile, the Kenya Meteorological Department in its forecast covering the period from May 6 to 12, 2025, warned that several regions—including the Central Highlands, Lake Victoria Basin, parts of the Rift Valley, Coast, Western, and North-Western Kenya—were likely to receive intermittent, heavy downpours.
"These rains will be scattered but could be intense in isolated areas. We urge Kenyans to plan and stay safe," the department said in its weekly update.
Soaring daytime temperatures were expected in much of the Coast, as well as North-Eastern and North-Western Kenya, with highs exceeding 30°C.
