Sakaja says Nairobi has cleared flood hotspots after collecting 100,000 tonnes of garbage

Sakaja said the county had collected more than 100,000 tonnes of garbage in one month, averaging approximately 3,200 tonnes daily, as part of efforts to unclog drainage systems, clear waterways and restore the Nairobi, Mathare and Ngong rivers.

He credited the progress to joint operations involving county departments, the national government and other agencies, including the Green Army, which has been deployed to support garbage collection and drainage clearance across the city.

“Through our coordinated response, we have collected more than 100,000 tonnes of garbage in just one month while undertaking extensive desilting, dredging and drainage works along the Nairobi, Mathare and Ngong rivers to mitigate flooding risks,” Sakaja said.

The operations have targeted areas where illegal dumping and accumulated silt have obstructed drainage channels and river systems, increasing the risk of flooding during heavy rains.

Sakaja said the interventions had improved water flow in several flood-prone areas, although further work was needed to strengthen the city's preparedness.

The governor attributed the progress to improved coordination between government agencies, saying the joint approach had enabled teams to address drainage and flood risks more effectively than working independently.

“The decision to come together and work as a team, rather than in silos, has helped us achieve a lot,” he said.

The county's preparedness strategy is anchored on a six-point intervention plan targeting river restoration, protection of residents in high-risk areas, waste management, community mobilisation, inter-agency coordination and emergency response capacity.

Under the plan, the county is undertaking desilting, dredging and deepening of major rivers while reclaiming riparian corridors to improve water flow and reduce the likelihood of rivers overflowing their banks.

Authorities are also targeting settlements in flood-prone areas, particularly those occupying riparian reserves, with residents in vulnerable locations being urged to cooperate with safety measures, including relocation where necessary.

The county has deployed Green Army personnel to support garbage collection, clear drainage channels and remove waste from waterways. Residents have also been urged to stop illegal dumping, which can obstruct drainage systems and worsen flooding.

Nairobi's six-borough administrative structure is being used to strengthen community mobilisation and public awareness, including sensitising residents on flood risks, safety precautions and the appropriate action to take during emergencies.

The response also brings together county and national government agencies, including the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA), the Kenya Red Cross and disaster management teams.

The agencies are coordinating drainage works, evacuations, rescue operations and other emergency interventions, while training and simulation exercises are being used to test the readiness of emergency teams.

Despite the progress, Sakaja said the county was maintaining its readiness following advisories from the Kenya Meteorological Department that the rains could begin at any time.

“We have made significant progress in preparing Nairobi for the anticipated El Niño rains, but preparedness is a shared responsibility,” he said.

He urged residents, businesses and private garbage collectors to dispose of waste responsibly and keep their surroundings clean, warning that improper waste disposal could undermine efforts to reduce flooding.

The county is continuing to identify flood-prone locations, strengthen community-based disaster response teams and improve coordination for evacuations and emergency operations.

Sakaja said the focus remained on reducing flood risks through early interventions, coordinated emergency response and public cooperation to protect lives and property as the city prepares for the expected rains.