When the rains hit Nairobi, the city grinds to a near halt. What should be a refreshing change from the scorching sun quickly turns into a nightmare for residents. The biggest culprit? Poor drainage. Year after year, the same streets flood, the same roads turn into rivers, and the same frustrations resurface.
The Daily Struggles
For commuters, the morning journey to work becomes a chaotic adventure. Matatus get stuck in flooded roads, causing massive traffic jams that can stretch for hours. Pedestrians, on the other hand, are forced to navigate ankle-deep waters, dodging reckless motorists splashing water in every direction. If you’re lucky, you’ll arrive at your destination with only soaked shoes; if not, you may have to change your entire outfit.
Business owners suffer just as much. Shops in low-lying areas are hit hard, with water seeping into stores and destroying goods. Vendors in open-air markets have it even worse, as muddy waters ruin their produce and force them to shut down for the day. The economic cost of these floods is staggering, yet little seems to be done to fix the problem permanently.
Understanding the underlying issues
Despite repeated outcries from residents, Nairobi’s drainage system remains woefully inadequate. Poor urban planning, blocked storm water drains, and illegal constructions over natural water paths only make matters worse. Garbage clogging drainage systems is another major issue, as waste management in the city is still far from efficient.
Government promises to address these issues have largely remained just that—promises. Temporary fixes, such as unblocking a few drains or deploying water pumps, only serve as Band-Aid solutions. The reality is that without a complete overhaul of the city’s drainage infrastructure, Nairobians will continue to suffer every rainy season.
A path forward – a Planners perspective
It’s time for authorities to move beyond short-term interventions and implement lasting solutions. Nairobi needs an improved drainage system, better waste management, and stricter enforcement of building regulations to prevent further encroachment on drainage pathways.
Additionally, city residents must also play their part. Proper garbage disposal can go a long way in ensuring that drainage systems remain unclogged. Community initiatives to clean up blocked waterways can also help mitigate the crisis.
A Call to Action
The rains will not stop, but the suffering caused by poor drainage can. Nairobians deserve better. Until real action is taken, however, the city will remain stuck in a cycle of chaos every rainy season. It’s time to demand change—because no one should have to wade through floods just to get to work.