Sakaja Mobilises Massive Response as Nairobi Floods Wreak Havoc Across the City

Heavy overnight rains that pounded the capital on Friday, March 6, triggered widespread Nairobi floods, submerging roads, flooding homes, and disrupting transport across several neighbourhoods. As the crisis unfolded, Johnson Sakaja, the governor of Nairobi, activated a countywide emergency response to assist affected residents and prevent further damage. County disaster teams, emergency crews, and road maintenance units moved quickly into flood-hit areas to begin rescue and mitigation operations. At the same time, the governor appealed for additional national support as the scale of the disaster became clear. The national government has since deployed military personnel and a multi-agency response team to reinforce ongoing rescue and relief efforts. As Nairobi floods continue to disrupt lives, coordinated action between county teams, national agencies, and the military will determine how quickly the city rescues victims, restores services, and protects vulnerable communities. Nairobi Floods Trigger Emergency Response Across the Capital Governor Johnson Sakaja confirmed that the county government had activated emergency response mechanisms immediately after heavy rainfall overwhelmed drainage systems in several parts of the city.

According to the county administration, the Nairobi City County Disaster Management and Risk Department mobilized personnel and equipment across the capital to respond to the rapidly developing situation.

The county also activated its Multi-Sectoral Disaster and Flood Mitigation Committee, a task force responsible for coordinating flood monitoring, rescue efforts, and emergency interventions.

Officials placed the committee on a 24-hour operational schedule to ensure rapid response to flood alerts, distress calls, and emerging hazards. The governor urged residents to remain vigilant and prioritize safety as rainfall continues in parts of the county.

He also asked Nairobians to use the county’s emergency hotlines to report incidents such as flooding, blocked drains, fallen trees, or damaged infrastructure. County Deploys Emergency Teams and Equipment To address the immediate impact of the Nairobi floods, Sakaja ordered the deployment of county emergency teams to several affected neighbourhoods. Rescue crews from the county’s fire and disaster management units moved into flood-prone areas to assess risks and help residents trapped by rising water.

The county also dispatched teams from the mobility and public works sector, including members of the well-known Green Army, to conduct emergency drainage operations. Workers began clearing blocked drains, removing debris, and opening up waterways in an effort to allow floodwaters to flow freely.

These teams operated across all 17 sub-counties, focusing on areas where clogged drainage systems had worsened flooding. County officials said rapid de-silting and debris removal were necessary to reduce the immediate risk to homes, businesses, and roads.

Authorities also began identifying flood hotspots where further emergency action may be required if rainfall persists. Multi-Agency Teams Coordinate Rescue Operations The scale of the Nairobi floods forced authorities to coordinate efforts with several national agencies.

A multi-agency response team, including the National Police Service and the Kenya Red Cross Society, joined county teams in rescue and relief operations.

These agencies helped coordinate field operations, evacuations, and emergency assistance for residents living in flood-prone zones.

Emergency responders also conducted risk assessments in neighbourhoods where homes and businesses had already begun flooding. At the same time, the county government identified several low-lying areas vulnerable to further flooding.

Authorities established temporary evacuation centres stocked with essential supplies to accommodate residents forced to leave their homes. County officials said the evacuation facilities aim to provide safe shelter for families…