The government is intensifying implementation of El Nino response measures in Nairobi in collaboration with the county to ensure the Capital City is adequately prepared for the coming heavy rains.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki said Nairobi is expected to be one of the areas to receive El Nino rains in October going forward, outlining interventions being rolled out to avert loss of lives and property damages.
“From the projections by the weather people, it is likely that the precipitation in Nairobi will be high. That is expected in the second and the third week of October when the rain will fall,” DP noted.
The Second in Command on Thursday morning held a meeting with senior government officers and various heads of departments and agencies at the Official Residence in Karen, Nairobi to consolidate efforts required to safeguard the country’s capital from El Nino destruction.
Present were Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, officials from Kenya National Highway Authority (KENHA), Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), Kenya Rural Roads Agency (KeRRA), Kenya Power, Nairobi Rivers Commission and representatives from the State Departments of Energy, Roads and Urban Development.
“We have mapped out all the chokepoints in Nairobi which are likely to cause flooding. They are being unclogged, dredged and opened. This is through partnership between the Nairobi County Government and Nairobi Rivers Commission,” he revealed.
Prof. Kindiki said the works are being done by the green army under the County and the Climate WorX youth recruited by the national government adding that they are being speeded up in readiness for the rains.
“We have directed this morning that the works be expedited. We are going to support those involved to make sure that the budgetary resources are made available to avoid disruptions,” DP indicated.
Further, the Deputy President assured the nation that the administration is working closely with all relevant stakeholders to ensure Kenyans across the country are safe and not exposed to any dangers associated with the rainfall.
He said safety grounds in flood-prone areas have been identified promising humane evacuation and provision of necessary food and non-food items to those who will be affected.
“We have unlocked certain budget constraints that could hamper proper preparations and response. On behalf of the President and the Government of Kenya I assure the people of Kenya that we are prepared and both levels of government are taking the onset of the El Niño rains very seriously,” DP emphasized.
Prof. Kindiki urged Kenyans to bear with probable inconveniences saying the situation will be temporary and normalcy will return once the rains subside.
“It is going to be a temporary inconvenience, and therefore they are required to comply with all directives from the authorities. It is for their safety—to save their lives and to save themselves from any loss or damage,” he reiterated.
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