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Sakaja issues five directives in response to floods in Nairobi

Following the heavy rains, at least 10 people lost their lives in the capital.

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by MAUREEN KINYANJUI

Counties26 March 2024 - 05:32
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In Summary


  • • Sakaja directed the Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company to send water trucks to the affected areas to ensure residents have access to clean drinking water.
  • • He also announced that Community Health Partners (CHP) will be on the ground to issue support to the affected families.
City Council workers unclog a blocked manhole in an effort to clear stagnant water along Lungalunga, Industrial area Nairobi on March 25, 2024.

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has issued five directives following heavy rains that caused flooding in parts of the capital city on Sunday.

Heavy floods wreaked havoc causing chaos in the city and surrounding areas.

In a statement on Monday, Sakaja revealed that the Nairobi County Disaster Management Team is leading efforts to address the situation.

Sakaja directed the Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company to send water trucks to the affected areas to ensure residents have access to clean drinking water.

He also announced that Community Health Partners (CHP) will be on the ground to issue support to the affected families.

“Public health officers and CHPs to intensify on-ground support through distribution of water treatment tablets as well as offer psychosocial support to those affected,” he said.

The City boss also said that the Green Nairobi will deploy 170 Green Army personnel to respond quickly to unblock and clear drains in areas prone to flooding.

Sakaja also stated that Technical teams with specialized equipment will be deployed to unclog sewers and clean drainage systems in the affected areas.

He explained that the technical team will use equipment machines such as backhoes, wheel loaders, flashing units, and excavators to clear clogged drainage.

In response to reports of missing persons, the Governor assured collaboration with other departments to address the issue effectively.

“The Disaster Management Team is working closely with the National Police Service, National Disaster Operations Centre, and the Red Cross to aid in search and rescue efforts for missing persons,” Sakaja said.

In addition, the Governor urged residents living near waterways and flood-prone areas to relocate to safer places.

He emphasized the importance of heeding calls from Disaster Management teams to evacuate such areas.

"The County will continue to monitor the situation closely and take necessary steps to protect the lives and properties of Nairobi residents," Sakaja added.

He said the emergency hotline number, 1508, will remain operational for those requiring assistance.

Following the heavy rains, at least 10 people lost their lives in the capital.

Among those missing is police constable David Chesire of Kamkunji police station who was swept by water as he saved a trapped family in the area.

The toll is expected to rise as more families have reported their friends and kin are missing following the flooding that was reported.


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