The Water Resources Authority has ordered residents of six Nairobi estates near the Nairobi Dam to evacuate immediately amid ongoing heavy rains. The dam in Kibera risks breaching its embankments, posing flood threats downstream. Other areas have been placed on high alert.
The Water Resources Authority has issued an immediate evacuation order for residents in Kibera area informal settlements, Nyayo Highrise, Dam Estate, Lang'ata, Nairobi West, and Madaraka, near the Nairobi Dam along the Ngong River, about 5 kilometers southwest of the CBD. The notice, dated Friday March 20 and signed by Sub-county Coordinator Noel Ndeti, states: “Due to the ongoing heavy rains, residents living downstream of Nairobi dam are warned of imminent flood risk due to the rising water levels in the reservoir that threaten breaching of the dam embankment.” Other estates at risk include Mukuru Slums (Kwa Njenga, Reuben, and Viwandani), South B, Pipeline, Embakasi, and Industrial Area, placed on high alert. Ten days prior, the government had alerted residents as water levels rose, with Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura saying: “The government is closely monitoring the rising water levels at Nairobi Dam and advises residents living downstream to remain alert. A technical assessment of the dam is currently underway.” The Kenya Meteorological Department forecast moderate to heavy showers and thunderstorms continuing through Saturday and Sunday, easing Monday, with over 20 mm possible in 24 hours in Dagoretti, Kibra, parts of Embakasi, and Lang’ata. Friday's rains caused flooding chaos on Moi Avenue and Mombasa Road, with no deaths reported.