Heavy rains pounding Nairobi have triggered flooding in several parts of the city, prompting authorities to warn residents and motorists to exercise extreme caution.
According to Geoffrey Mosiria, former Chief Officer for Environment at the #Nairobi City County Government, the ongoing downpour has made many roads flooded and slippery, increasing the risk of accidents.
Mosiria, while only taking videos and photos for his social handles, urged motorists to avoid overspeeding and to drive carefully, noting that the situation could worsen if the heavy rains continue. He also advised residents living near rivers and riparian areas to relocate at least 30 meters from both sides of the river, or up to 60 meters in areas where flooding may be more intense, to reduce the risk of danger from overflowing rivers.
Members of the public were also cautioned against walking or attempting to cross fast-moving floodwaters, as strong currents can easily sweep people away.
The county official explained that the flooding challenges being witnessed in Nairobi are largely linked to the city’s aging drainage infrastructure, which was designed decades ago when the population and urban development were much smaller.
Today, large sections of the city are covered with concrete and other impermeable surfaces that prevent rainwater from naturally being absorbed into the soil, forcing huge volumes of stormwater into drainage systems that cannot handle the load.
Meanwhile, ex-Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria criticized the city’s leadership, saying the scale of Nairobi’s problems requires more radical solutions.
“I have said consistently that you cannot administer piriton where surgery is required. Nairobi requires a new Governor. Not even Receiver-Manager Musalia and Ksh 80 billion can save the city. Tonight the Nairobi naval forces have taken over the flooding city. Anyway, what does a villager like me know about the city,” Kuria said.
But even as this debate raged on, there was no support or emergency services deployed by either governments – the national or the county.