MET issues storm warning as Green Army cleans drainages to avert flooding

The Kenya Meteorological Department has warned that Nairobi is likely to experience moderate showers accompanied by thunderstorms, particularly at night.

MET also said city residents should expect possible rainfall-related hazards including flooding, lightning and strong winds within the next 24 hours.

As the city braces for the expected rains, Nairobi County has intensified environmental restoration efforts, with Governor Sakaja Johnson’s Green Army stepping up drainage clearance and cleanup operations across several estates to reduce the risk of flooding.

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The County environment teams on Friday carried out a series of activities in Embakasi North Sub-County, including sweeping streets, litter picking, unclogging blocked drainage systems and conducting public sensitization campaigns on environmental conservation.

“The county environment teams carried out sweeping, litter picking, drainage clearance and public sensitisation across several estates as part of our efforts to prevent flooding during the rainy season,” Sakaja said.

In Dandora Phase 4 Ward, the exercise was carried out along Joyvilla Road in the Mzalendo area, where teams cleared blocked drainage channels, swept roads and collected waste that was later transported to the Dandora dumpsite (Stage 41).

Sakaja says the operation forms part of preventive measures aimed at ensuring drainage systems remain open ahead of the anticipated rainfall.

“Cleaning our estates, maintaining drainage systems and planting trees are part of the long-term solutions we are implementing to restore Nairobi and make it a cleaner, greener city,” Sakaja said.

The initiative also included educating residents on proper waste disposal practices and the importance of keeping drainage channels free from garbage, which is one of the major causes of flooding in residential areas.

According to the county’s daily environmental progress report, similar activities were carried out in several wards including Kariobangi North and Dandora Phases 1, 2 and 3, where workers unclogged drainage channels, cleared overgrown grass and conducted public awareness campaigns on environmental hygiene.

Meanwhile, in Komarock Ward in Embakasi Central, county teams conducted a tree-planting exercise along Komarock Canal on Malewa Road, where 115 trees were planted to improve the environment, strengthen climate resilience and protect riparian areas.

Sakaja says the county government will continue expanding environmental restoration programmes alongside infrastructure upgrades to address flooding and sanitation challenges in the capital.

He also urged residents to support the county’s efforts by avoiding illegal dumping of waste and protecting public drainage infrastructure.

The Governor noted that long-term improvements to Nairobi’s drainage and sewer infrastructure will be addressed through the county’s cooperation agreement with the national government, which is currently in the implementation phase.

He said the implementation committee, which he chairs, is scheduled to meet at City Hall on Monday to review pending works, budgets and timelines for infrastructure upgrades.