County is calling on residents in high-risk areas to relocate, says may use force to remove residents as rains approach
Nairobi County has rolled out a preemptive mechanism to address the impending El Nino rains, focusing on preparedness, response, and recovery.
Acting County Secretary Patrick Analo Akivaga announced that the county has identified 463 flood-prone areas, likely to affect over 200,000 residents and called on residents to relocate to safer areas.
“We are sensitizing the people to evade the effects of the likely floods, which can result in property loss and even loss of life,” Akivaga said, adding that county government officials and deputy county commissioners are carrying out sensitisation campaigns.
According to Bramuel Simiyu, the County Chief Officer for Disaster Management and Coordination, the flood-prone areas include Njiru, Ruai, settlements along the Nairobi River from Kibera to Mathare, and Waruku in Kileleshwa.
Forced relocations
“We are developing a budget to support the 200,000 people who are likely to be affected by the floods,” Simile said. The county government is actively clearing drainage systems, employing approximately 3,000 youths for this task.
Governor Johnson Sakaja has pledgedhis government’s commitment to safeguarding lives and properties of Nairobi residents during the El Nino season.
“As the El Nino season approaches, we may need to use force to relocate people to safer places,” Simiyu said. The county’s proactive measures aim to reduce the potential damage caused by the anticipated heavy rains.
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