Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has described the recent floods in Nairobi as deeply concerning and unacceptable, calling for urgent and decisive action following the disaster that has affected large parts of the city.
His remarks came after heavy overnight rains left at least 23 people dead, caused widespread destruction, and displaced residents in several neighborhoods.
The floods also disrupted transportation and forced the closure of major roads including Uhuru Highway, Mombasa Road, Thika Superhighway, Jogoo Road, Enterprise Road, and Lang’ata Road.
Some of the worst-affected areas include Mukuru, Kibra, Mathare, Huruma, South B and South C, Pipeline/Embakasi, Roysambu, Kahawa West, Githurai, and parts of Westlands, where residents reported significant flooding and property damage.
Mudavadi extended condolences to families who lost their loved ones and wished those injured a quick recovery.
“I extend my condolences to the families who have lost loved ones and wish a swift recovery to those injured following the floods in several areas of the city,” Mudavadi said.
He emphasized that the disaster highlights the urgent need for stronger cooperation between the National Government and Nairobi City County to improve infrastructure and protect residents.
“It also reinforces the critical need for collaboration between the National Government and Nairobi City County in improving service delivery and protecting our residents,” he stated.
Government Response and Planned Action
Mudavadi outlined immediate government plans aimed at addressing the flooding crisis, particularly focusing on clearing blocked drainage systems.
“In the coming days, we will deploy all necessary efforts to clear blocked drainage systems and restore proper water flow across the city,” he added.
As Chair of the National Government–Nairobi County Steering Committee, Mudavadi said authorities are leading efforts to improve drainage systems, sanitation, street lighting, and general urban maintenance.
He stressed that Nairobi must remain a clean, safe, and well-managed regional hub.
“Our goal is clear: Nairobi must and will reclaim its stature as the ‘Green City in the Sun’ – clean, organised, secure and globally competitive,” Mudavadi said.
Rescue Operations Ongoing
The National Police Service has been leading emergency response operations since the flooding began. Authorities conducted overnight search and rescue missions, saving at least 29 people trapped in flooded locations.
According to Muchiri Nyaga, the NPS Director of Corporate Communication, emergency teams remain fully deployed and continue responding to distress calls across the city.
“We are pleased to report that 29 people were successfully rescued from various locations and are receiving the necessary support,” Nyaga said.
Authorities have urged residents to exercise extreme caution as heavy rains continue.
Motorists and pedestrians have also been advised to follow the Highway Code and report emergencies through toll-free numbers 999, 911, or 112.
The floods have once again exposed major weaknesses in Nairobi’s drainage infrastructure, prompting authorities to intensify efforts to prevent further loss of life and damage.
Mudavadi’s call for urgent intervention signals a broader push to ensure the capital city remains safe, organized, and resilient against climate-related challenges.
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