The Kenya National Highway Authority confirmed on 18 September that it is strengthening Nairobi’s road network to cope with the heavy rainfall expected during the El Niño season.

In a statement, KeNHA said its team, led by Engineer Annete Aming’a, attended a multi‑agency meeting on drainage management, flood‑risk mapping and coordinated response.

The authority highlighted actions such as river monitoring, heavy‑rain advisories, flood‑risk mapping and drainage upgrades under the James Gichuru Junction–JKIA capacity enhancement project and emergency works framework contracts.

KeNHA pledged to continue enhancing flood resilience across Nairobi and the wider country to protect road users and infrastructure.

Government and county actions complement road upgrades

Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku said the government has mapped flood‑prone and landslide‑susceptible areas and equipped them with emergency response centres, aiming to limit loss of life and property.

Ruku also noted a joint Kenya‑Israel training programme that prepared personnel for emergency response, reinforcing the country’s readiness.

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja said the county has begun clearing drainage systems and has set up rescue and recovery centres near flood‑ and landslide‑prone zones.

Why the upgrades matter for residents and businesses

Earlier in March, the start of the rainy season caused fatalities and property damage from floodwaters, highlighting the need for improved drainage and rapid response mechanisms.