The government has ordered the immediate evacuation of residents in several estates across Nairobi following fears that a nearby dam could burst after days of heavy rainfall.
The directive, issued early Friday morning by Nairobi City County and the National Disaster Management Authority, affects thousands of people living in low-lying areas close to the embankment.
“We are acting to ensure that no lives are lost. Residents must move to safer areas immediately,” an NDMA spokesperson said.
Areas Affected
Authorities confirmed that the evacuation targets parts of:
Imara Daima
Pipeline
South B
Kayole
Ruai
Donholm
Emergency teams, including police, firefighters, and rescue personnel, have been deployed to assist residents. Schools and community centres nearby have been turned into temporary shelters.
Fear and Uncertainty Among Residents
Many families were seen hurriedly packing their belongings as anxiety spread across the affected estates.
One resident from Imara Daima, Mary Wambui, described the situation as tense and frightening.
“It is scary and uncertain. We are leaving everything behind, but at least we will be safe,” she said.
Travel Advisory and Ongoing Risk
The government has warned motorists to avoid the affected areas, noting that some roads could be flooded as rescue operations continue.
With heavy rains expected to persist over the weekend, officials say the risk of overflow remains high.
Calls for Long-Term Solutions
Experts have pointed to climate change and poor urban drainage as key factors worsening flooding risks in the city. Authorities are now calling for stronger long-term measures, including:
Reinforcing dam embankments
Improving drainage systems
Strengthening flood management strategies
Residents in other vulnerable parts of Nairobi have been urged to remain alert and follow official updates as the situation continues to develop.
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