Nairobi Orders Demolitions After Viral Flooding

The Nairobi County Government has set plans for demolition in various parts of the city following flooding on Friday, November 29.

This announcement comes after the flooding wreaked havoc across the capital particularly impacting the Parklands area where poor construction practices have been identified as a primary cause. During a late-night inspection of the damage, Nairobi's Chief Officer of Environment Geoffrey Mosiria lamented the detrimental effects of construction on riverbeds and clogged drainage systems. Mosiria laid the responsibility for the adverse flooding conditions squarely on developers who have built illegally on riparian land, arguing that these structures obstruct proper water flow.

"The flooding in Parklands is not due to the drainage system but rather because developers are constructing on riparian land. The only way to solve this problem is for the residents of Parklands to agree to demolish these buildings," he remarked.

As the rain transformed major roads and neighbourhoods into torrents of murky water, frustration has mounted among Nairobians who have taken to social media to voice their concerns. Many point to the inadequacy of the city's infrastructure, a system largely designed during the colonial era for a population of fewer than 500,000, which now grapples with nearly five million residents. This outdated drainage system struggles under the pressures of rapid urban growth and inadequate maintenance.

"As county government, we must tell each other the truth. When you go to social media to post about the floods bashing the county, I will also come here and bring you facts, the government is working, but people are building on riparian land," Mosiria said.

Governor Johnson Sakaja acknowledges the persistent flooding issues in the city while recognizing the difficulties of effectively addressing them. His comments follow a weather advisory issued by the Kenya Meteorological Department predicting heavy rains on Friday, November 30. The heavy rains in Nairobi yesterday left many drivers struggling to return home as roads became increasingly impassable. Reports in social media depicted vehicles submerged in floodwaters, with some motorists expressing frustration over the deteriorating conditions.

One driver, stranded in Parklands near Thika Road, lamented that it appeared they would have to spend the night in a nearby bar, relying on soda to wait out the situation. Videos circulating from the Kilimani area exposed heavily flooded streets, with some locals humorously suggesting diverting floodwaters towards the State House. Online comments reflect a shared sentiment, with one user noting that the rain had transformed Nairobi into an "ocean," as cars appeared to float like canoes.