Kenyan government urges 1.5 million flood-prone residents to move to higher ground

Residents of Nairobi's Mathare informal settlement are preparing for heavy El Niño rains, which Kenya's Meteorological Service has warned could fall between October and December. The government has urged around 1.5 million people living in flood-prone areas to move to higher ground. The warning comes nearly two years after floods in 2024 swept away homes, destroyed livelihoods and claimed lives.

Along the Mathare River, residents are clearing rubbish and debris to reduce the risk of flooding. Victor Ojoo, who lost his home and livestock in the previous floods, said residents began the river clean-up because the 2024 rains affected them badly, and that garbage in the river is the first thing that harms residents when it rains.

Nairobi County has identified potential evacuation centres and plans to position rescue personnel, food and other emergency supplies in vulnerable areas before flooding occurs. The government says it is improving access to affected communities and making sure rescue teams and essential supplies are available ahead of the rains.

Why it mattersResidents in flood-prone areas must decide whether to move to higher ground, and Nairobi County is positioning rescue teams, food and supplies in vulnerable areas before flooding occurs.

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