Sakaja said the order is intended to accelerate ongoing works in areas that have been identified as vulnerable to flooding and strengthen Nairobi’s preparedness ahead of the expected heavy rains.
The governor said teams had been instructed to move faster, particularly in areas that have repeatedly experienced flooding, with the aim of improving drainage and reducing the threat posed by stormwater.
Nairobi authorities have identified 227 flood-prone hotspots spread across the city's 17 sub-counties. The information is being used to determine where equipment and emergency response resources should be deployed first.
The county is also implementing a Ksh2.4 billion multi-agency flood mitigation programme, with Ksh2 billion allocated to drainage and flood-control projects covering 19 roads considered vulnerable to flooding.
The ongoing works include clearing blocked drainage systems, removing accumulated silt, widening and deepening channels and improving waterways. Additional earth-moving machinery has also been deployed to areas considered to be at high risk.
The measures are expected to improve the movement of stormwater, reduce flooding on roads and help protect homes and businesses located in vulnerable areas.
Residents living in flood-prone and riparian areas have meanwhile been encouraged to follow safety instructions issued by authorities as the rainy season approaches.
The preparations involve several government agencies, including Nairobi County, KURA, the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA), the Kenya Red Cross, the National Disaster Management Authority and the Nairobi Rivers Commission.
Authorities have also established five committees responsible for overseeing infrastructure and drainage, emergency response and evacuation, shelter and relief, security and traffic, as well as public communication.
An emergency operations centre has been established to coordinate responses, while residents can report incidents through the 1508 emergency hotline.
The county has also identified 27 drop-off points and shelters that could accommodate residents evacuated from areas affected by flooding.
The preparations come as Deputy President Kithure Kindiki announced that the government had identified parts of Nairobi where residents could be temporarily relocated if the expected rains threaten their safety.
Speaking during a multi-agency preparedness meeting in Karen on Thursday, September 24, Kindiki said authorities were preparing for heavy rainfall expected from the second and third weeks of October.
He said the national government was working with Nairobi County and agencies responsible for roads, drainage, urban development and energy to reduce the possible impact of the rains.
According to Kindiki, weather projections indicate that significant rainfall could increase the risk of flooding, damage to roads and drainage infrastructure and disruptions to electricity supply.
With Sakaja's 14-day deadline, authorities are now racing to complete the most critical drainage and road works before the rains arrive, while broader emergency plans remain in place should flooding occur despite the mitigation measures.
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