On Wednesday, members of the climate works team returned to Waudo Street in Eastleigh and demolished structures that small business owners had rebuilt after an earlier removal, prompting a confrontation with some traders.

The structures had been erected over drainage channels, which authorities and community leaders are clearing in preparation for the El Niño rains expected in Kenya in the coming weeks.

The demolition primarily affected owners of small restaurants and other businesses that operate directly above the drainage channels.

Some traders expressed concern that the removal of their structures would jeopardise their livelihoods, as the businesses constitute their main source of income.

Eastleigh Business Community CEO Mohamed Adan warned that rebuilding over drainage channels undermines the area’s rain‑water preparedness and that the community does not support such demolitions, though it expects traders to keep roads and public infrastructure clear.

He reiterated that blocking waterways can cause problems for all residents and that the business community will not defend anyone who contravenes the government directive to keep drainage systems clear.

During that meeting, business leaders and officials reviewed flood‑prone areas and stressed the need for cooperation from traders and residents in clearing drainage channels.

Secretary General Omar Ibrahim Hussain said the business community is prepared to assist the government in awareness‑raising and to intervene where traders or residents fail to cooperate with drainage‑clearing efforts.

He added that the government has allocated resources, manpower and infrastructure to respond to the anticipated rains, and that local businesses will support those mitigation measures.

Community leaders continue to urge traders to cooperate with the ongoing exercise, emphasizing that drainage systems serve the wider community and must remain unobstructed.