Sakaja Moves to Calm Flood Fears After Westlands Hit by Heavy Rains
By Peace Muthoka
Nairobi, March 19 — Johnson Sakaja today moved to reassure residents and businesses in Westlands following severe flooding that disrupted activities around the Westgate Mall area.
Speaking after touring the flood-affected zone, the governor acknowledged the extent of damage caused by the ongoing heavy rains, noting that parts of the area remain vulnerable due to poor drainage and rising water levels in nearby rivers.
He assured the public that the county government is taking immediate steps to protect lives and property. Sakaja said security teams have been deployed to the area to ensure the safety of residents, traders, and motorists as clean-up and recovery efforts continue.
At the same time, he pledged urgent intervention on the river passing near Westlands, saying it will be properly maintained to prevent overflow during heavy rains. He noted that blocked waterways and poor waste disposal have worsened flooding in the city.
“We are putting in place measures to make sure this river is well maintained and that water flows smoothly to avoid flooding in this area,” Sakaja said.
The governor added that the county is rolling out wider interventions across Nairobi to address recurring floods. These include clearing drainage systems, repairing damaged infrastructure, and improving stormwater management in flood-prone zones.
He urged residents to support the efforts by avoiding dumping waste in drainage channels, warning that such practices continue to undermine government interventions.
The Westlands flooding comes amid intensified rainfall being experienced in several parts of the city, raising concerns over preparedness and urban planning.
County officials say response teams remain on the ground, with more measures expected in the coming days to stabilize affected areas and reduce the risk of further flooding.
