Public Works and Urban Development Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has launched an emergency response operation following deadly floods in Nairobi that killed three people and displaced nearly 200 others.
Speaking during a press briefing in Drive-In, Ruaraka, one of the worst-hit areas, CS Ruku confirmed that a 23-year-old woman and her two children died in the flooding, which also affected 55 households and caused extensive damage to homes, roads, and drainage systems.
The government has deployed emergency teams to evacuate residents from high-risk areas and distribute food, clean water, and medical aid. Vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities, are being prioritized.
“We will continue to take proactive steps to safeguard the lives and well-being of all Kenyans,” said CS Ruku, reaffirming the government’s commitment through the State Department for Special Programmes.
Mobile health clinics and temporary shelters have been set up in schools and community centres to accommodate the displaced, with water purification tablets and basic medical care provided to prevent outbreaks of diseases such as cholera and typhoid.
Specialized crews are also clearing blocked drainage systems using heavy machinery in an effort to restore stormwater flow and prevent further damage. The CS urged Nairobi residents to avoid littering and to report clogged drains to authorities.
Looking ahead, CS Ruku announced that the government will review urban planning policies, enforce zoning regulations, and invest in sustainable drainage systems to boost the city’s long-term resilience to flooding.
