Nairobi deploys 4,000 workers to clear drainage ahead of peak El Niño

Nairobi is mobilizing a workforce of more than 4,000 people to clear urban waterways before the winter rains arrive.

The deployment is a direct response to forecasts predicting the strongest El Niño event on record. The weather pattern is expected to peak in November or December and persist into early 2027. City officials have identified the coming months as a critical window for infrastructure maintenance. The county government has integrated this labor force into a national youth employment initiative known as Climate WorX. The primary objective is to prevent the catastrophic flash floods that have historically plagued the capital.

The initiative, designated as the Green Army, typically manages waste collection and urban greening projects. For the current El Niño preparation phase, the crew is widening drainage ditches and removing debris from riverbanks. Workers in reflective vests are shoveling dirt and dismantling structures that obstruct water flow. Alex Oyando, a 30-year-old participant, describes the process of clearing drainage troughs to allow water to flow freely. He notes that unseasonably hot conditions in October often signal an intense rainy season ahead.

A central component of the strategy involves the demolition of illegal structures. These buildings, often food stalls or small kiosks, are constructed by residents without government permits. Authorities argue that these structures are at high risk of collapsing during natural disasters and contribute to waterway blockages. Tobias Sifuna, a supervisor in the Kamukunji area, states that the removals are necessary because the structures lack county authorization. The program is part of a larger $385 million federal plan to widen waterways, build affordable housing, and upgrade sewer systems by the end of 2027.

The city's existing drainage infrastructure faces a capacity strain due to rapid population growth. Bramwell Simiyu, the chief officer of disaster management for Nairobi's county government, notes that the current systems were designed for a population of no more than 2 million. The city now supports a daytime population of close to 7 million. Simiyu indicates that the county is preparing evacuation centers and supplies for a worst-case scenario that could affect up to 20,000 households, primarily in low-income settlements.

The removal of informal commerce has generated economic friction within the affected neighborhoods. Wycliffe Ochieng, a 32-year-old fruit vendor, reports that many central workers have lost access to affordable hot lunches. He states that some residents are now going to sleep without food due to the loss of these low-cost vendors. Ochieng, who previously lost a grocery stand during last March's floods, expresses concern about the upcoming season. He recalls having to sleep outdoors during the previous flood event because he could not reach his home.

The last major rain event in March resulted in the deaths of more than 100 people. That disaster increased pressure on the government to implement preventative measures. Ochieng notes that his friend, a food stall owner, died while attempting to escape the rising water. He is now rebuilding his business in a new neighborhood where he has not yet established a customer base. He fears that the current El Niño event could force another relocation if the floods return.