A section of the Nairobi Dam./HANDOUT

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has announced an urgent, full-scale rehabilitation of Nairobi Dam following a high-level assessment aimed at averting a potential flood disaster.

The inspection, conducted alongside key agencies including the Water Resources Authority, Nairobi Rivers Commission, and the Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company, revealed growing concerns over the dam’s structural integrity.

Speaking at the site, Sakaja outlined a three-pronged emergency plan to stabilize the aging facility.

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“The first is clearing obstructions downstream of the spillway to allow water to flow naturally and reduce pressure on the dam walls, which have shown signs of breaches," he said.

"The second is testing the strength of the embankment through geotechnical surveys to ensure structural integrity. The third is enforcing a 30-metre buffer zone around the dam to protect both the public and the infrastructure,"

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The governor noted that Nairobi Dam, constructed in 1953, was originally designed for recreation and flood control along the Ngong River.

However, decades of pollution, sewage discharge, encroachment, and informal settlements have significantly compromised its safety and effectiveness.

Public participation forums are set to begin Tuesday in Nairobi West and continue Wednesday in Highrise Ward, targeting residents living near the dam. Authorities are seeking community input as part of the recovery process.

Sakaja said two options had been considered—decommissioning the dam or fully rehabilitating it—but experts recommended restoration.

“At this stage, we are choosing full rehabilitation. Decommissioning would multiply flood risks for downstream areas,” he said.

He added that preliminary studies by the Water Resources Authority support the rehabilitation plan, expressing confidence that restoration is achievable despite years of human interference.

“Yes, human interference over decades has caused challenges, but restoration is possible. We are committed to doing this carefully and responsibly,” he said.

Rehabilitation works are expected to begin immediately, with short-term interventions starting as early as Tuesday in a bid to restore the dam’s flood control function and safeguard surrounding communities