Kenya and the Netherlands have started work on a Nairobi flash flood early warning system. The partnership aims to reduce deaths and damage from heavy rains expected later this year.
The State Department for Water and Sanitation is working with the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The Netherlands is funding a scoping study carried out by firms Haskoning and Rebel.
Last week a delegation from the firms met government and county officials to review existing flood systems. The study will assess technical, operational and financial needs for an integrated warning system.
Nairobi has faced repeated flooding that has killed at least ten people earlier this year and caused more than KSh64 billion in annual damages. The Kenya Meteorological Service Authority has warned of a 90 to 96 per cent chance of El Niño conditions through the end of 2026.
Once finished the scoping study will support further feasibility work and help secure funding for implementation.