By John Toris 

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja today revealed the devastating impact floods in Nairobi, announcing that 33 people have lost their lives and over 2,000 residents have been displaced following days of relentless heavy rains.

The Governor was addressing the media after the second sitting of the Implementation Committee on the Cooperation Agreement between the National Government and the Nairobi City County Government, held at City Hall. The high-level meeting brought together Principal Secretaries and senior officials from key agencies including KURA, KeNHA, KeRRA, NEMA, the Water Resources Authority, and the National Treasury.

Governor Sakaja extended his condolences to the affected families. "Before anything else, allow me to begin on a note of deep compassion and solidarity," Sakaja said. "Behind these numbers are families grieving loved ones, children forced from their homes, and communities struggling to recover. The City of Nairobi mourns with you."

The committee convened to urgently address the impact of the ongoing heavy rains and floods on Nairobi's infrastructure, livelihoods, and the safety of its residents. Sakaja emphasized that immediate action is required as the rains are not yet over.

Following extensive deliberations, the committee made several key resolutions. These include a multi-agency push to recover riparian land and floodplain areas under the coordination of the Nairobi Rivers Commission. The Governor directed that enforcement be intensified to restore the natural flow of rivers and prevent recurrent flooding.

In a move to strengthen disaster preparedness, the committee ordered the preparation of satellite and GIS mapping data covering Nairobi's river corridors and high-risk flood zones. This information will be shared with government agencies and the public to guide urban planning and infrastructure design.

On infrastructure, Sakaja confirmed that the major transmission pipeline along Outer Ring Road, damaged by floods, has been fully repaired. Water supply has resumed to Buruburu, Kariobangi, Dandora, and parts of Mathare, while repairs continue on distribution lines serving Kiambiu and Korogocho.

Public health remains a priority. The Governor noted that over 300 flood-affected households and more than 300 sanitation facilities have been disinfected. Additionally, over 30 schools have been cleaned, protecting more than 3,800 students. The county has also distributed over 4,000 household water treatment supplies to prevent waterborne diseases.

"We recognize that the rains are not yet over, and therefore our response must be both immediate and coordinated," Sakaja stated.

The committee has directed technical teams to submit a comprehensive joint assessment and costed action plan within 48 hours, focusing on flood-prone drainage bottlenecks and damaged infrastructure. The report will also include detailed cost estimates to enable immediate mobilization of both technical and financial resources from the National and County governments.

The Implementation Committee is scheduled to reconvene on Thursday, March 19, 2026, to review progress and ensure that resolutions move from paper to action.

"The cooperation between the National Government and Nairobi City County Government is already yielding results, and we will continue working together to protect lives, restore infrastructure, and build a more resilient Nairobi," the Governor concluded.