37 neighbourhoods in Nairobi flagged as flood-prone areas: List

The flooding comes a week after a similar heavy downpour left hundreds displaced across the city. 

The interior Ministry has now flagged 37 neighborhoods in the city as flood-prone areas. 

According to the ministry, a mapping exercise conducted under the Nairobi Rivers Regeneration Programme identified the 37 neighbourhoods located along major river corridors and locations vulnerable to flooding. 

This includes areas that lie downstream along sections of the Nairobi River and its tributaries, those situated upstream and midstream sections of the river network and those along where the river passes. 

In Nairobi East, the areas identified include Kiambiu, Dandora, Kariobangi, Kayole, Komarock, Njiru, Ruai, Mwiki, Donholm, Savannah, Tassia, and Fedha. 

In addition, flood-prone areas in Nairobi West include Madaraka, Nairobi West, Lang’ata, Kawangware, Kangemi, Lavington, Westlands, Parklands, Kitisuru, Spring Valley, Kileleshwa, and Chiromo.

In the Nairobi North corridor, neighbourhoods such as Mathare, Korogocho, and Lucky Summer have been identified along the Mathare River, where dense settlements closely border the river banks. Within Nairobi Central, key locations along the river corridor include the Central Business District (CBD), Globe, Gikomba, Eastleigh, and the Industrial Area.

In Nairobi South, the mapping highlights Kilimani, Kibera, South C, South B, Mukuru Kwa Reuben, and Kwa Njenga, many of which lie along the Ngong River corridor. 

The ministry has therefore urged communities living near the riparian and in low-lying areas are urged to remain vigilant and prioritize their safety during periods of heavy rainfall.

The heavy rains on Saturday night left the city marooned after the overflow of the Nairobi and Ngong rivers.

The Kenya Red Cross Society reported that thirteen people were rescued from the city floods. This includes eleven people who were marooned in a matatu along Bunyala Road and two children trapped inside a house in Kilimani.

President William Ruto has assured Kenyans of government response to emergencies after a heavy downpour on Saturday night left Nairobi City flooded. 

In a statement on Sunday, the Head of State said the “government remains fully mobilised to respond.”

According to the President, a multi-agency response team consisting of emergency services, security agencies, humanitarian teams and technical departments is coordinating efforts and managing the situation effectively in Nairobi and across the country. 

“Relevant agencies are also actively assisting with rescue and evacuation operations, as well as clearing blocked drainage systems and restoring access routes in affected areas,” added Ruto.