Kenya: El Niño Rains - Sakaja Urges Early Evacuation in Flood Hotspots

What the report says

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has urged people living in flood-prone parts of Kenya to leave early if authorities advise evacuation, as the country prepares for the October-December rainy season. In remarks reported by Capital FM and distributed by AllAfrica, Sakaja warned that the coming months could be difficult and said weather officials had forecast an El Niño period beginning in October. He spoke in Kakamega on Sunday, according to the report.

Sakaja said Nairobi was already taking steps to reduce flooding risks, including a joint effort involving county disaster-response teams, the Kenya Red Cross and engineers. The work includes clearing drainage systems, widening waterways and removing blockages in vulnerable areas. He also pressed residents to help by keeping roads and drains free of rubbish, saying clogged channels can make flooding worse.

The governor said some Nairobi residents near rivers had already moved to safer places and urged others in similar locations across the country to do the same when warned. He added that the government would issue further guidance as needed and that communities should not wait until an emergency develops before acting.

Beyond flood risk, Sakaja said erratic weather could further strain households and farmers after a weak harvest in some areas. His remarks reflect broader concerns in Kenya about the impact of seasonal rains on transport, drainage and food security, especially in densely populated urban and riverine settlements.