Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has described the recent flooding in the capital as a reflection of gaps in leadership. while urging authorities to take responsibility and do more to prevent recurring disasters.
In a statement posted on X on Saturday, the senator expressed condolences to families affected by the floods.
“As part of the leadership in Nairobi, you will hear no excuses from me,” Sifuna wrote.
“Yesterday’s flood situation was an indictment. We know it’s a sum total of many failures, but mostly failures of leadership. We must do better because you don’t deserve this. For all those who slept on the roads, those counting losses from the flood damage, poleni sana.”
Sifuna added that multiple lives were lost and said his office had sent teams to assess the situation and determine how best to assist residents.
The senator extended his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives.
“I extend my deepest condolences to the families who lost their loved ones last night. Poleni sana,” he stated.
He also called for a comprehensive review of the city’s drainage systems, warning that Nairobi cannot continue to face recurring flood disasters.
The senator’s remarks came after continuous heavy rains that left several streets across the capital submerged.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja had issued a statement earlier warning residents to stay vigilant, avoid flooded roads, and cooperate with emergency teams.
In a statement released on Friday, the governor said county authorities have fully mobilised personnel and resources to manage the situation as heavy rains continue to affect parts of Nairobi.
Sakaja said the county’s Disaster Management and Risk Department is on high alert and coordinating response efforts across the city while urging residents to remain vigilant and prioritise their safety.
“The county has activated its Multi-Sectoral Disaster and Flood Mitigation Committee to provide 24-hour monitoring and rapid response services,” he said.
According to the governor, the committee is bringing together several departments and agencies to ensure a quick response to flooding incidents and other weather-related emergencies.
As part of the response, county teams drawn from the Mobility and Works sector, including the “Green Army”, have been deployed across all 17 sub-counties to carry out emergency desilting of drainage systems and clearing of blocked waterways.
The county further advised the public to stay away from downed power lines, avoid standing under trees during storms, and report blocked drainage systems or infrastructure damage through the county’s emergency hotlines.
In case of flooding, fallen trees or other life-threatening emergencies, residents have been urged to contact the county’s 24-hour dispatch centre through the emergency numbers 020 2222181, 020 2223182, 020 2222183 or 020 2344599, the Nairobi City County Government said.
