Youth charge Sh20 to help residents cross flooded roads in Nairobi

Youth help residents cross flooded roads at Tassia estate in Embakasi East, Nairobi, on March 7, 2026/ GEORGE OWITI

Some youth in Nairobi have turned the ongoing heavy rains and widespread flooding into a small business opportunity.

Residents have been paying Sh20 to get help crossing flooded roads in some parts of the city.

A spot check by The Star on Saturday found that many major roads were still submerged, causing traffic snarls across the city.

The affected routes included Jogoo Road, Eastern Bypass, Mombasa Road, and Kangundo Road.

Youth help residents cross flooded roads at Tassia estate in Embakasi East, Nairobi, on March 7, 2026/ GEORGE OWITI

In Tassia estate, some youths were seen charging residents Sh20 to help them navigate flooded sections.

Others offered rides on motorbikes or mikokoteni, while some even carried clients on their backs — all for a fee.

Youth help residents cross flooded roads at Tassia estate in Embakasi East, Nairobi, on March 7, 2026/ GEORGE OWITI

“We are helping people cross from one side to the other as they get in and out of the estate using mikokoteni. We urge the Nairobi City County Government to intervene by sorting out the drainage,” said Stephen Akumu.

Akumu spoke to The Star as he and his peers assisted residents in wading through the water on Saturday.

Flooded roads at Tassia estate in Embakasi East, Nairobi, on March 7, 2026/ GEORGE OWITI

Flooded roads at Tassia estate in Embakasi East, Nairobi, on March 7, 2026/ GEORGE OWITI

Youth help residents cross flooded roads at Tassia estate in Embakasi East, Nairobi, on March 7, 2026/ GEORGE OWITI

Youth help residents cross flooded roads at Tassia estate in Embakasi East, Nairobi, on March 7, 2026/ GEORGE OWITI

Flooded roads at Tassia estate in Embakasi East, Nairobi, on March 7, 2026/ GEORGE OWITI

Flooded roads at Tassia estate in Embakasi East, Nairobi, on March 7, 2026/ GEORGE OWITI