Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has criticized the handling of the recent floods in the city, calling the disaster a clear sign of leadership failures and urging authorities to act swiftly to prevent future incidents.
In a statement on Saturday, Sifuna offered condolences to families affected by the floods and stressed the urgent need for accountability and improved city management.
“As part of the leadership in Nairobi, you will hear no excuses from me,” the senator wrote.
“Yesterday’s flood situation was an indictment. We know it’s a sum total of many failures, but mostly failures of leadership. We must do better because you don’t deserve this. For all those who slept on the roads, those counting losses from the flood damage, poleni sana.”
Sifuna confirmed that several lives were lost during the flooding and noted that his office had deployed teams to assess the situation and determine ways to support affected residents. “I extend my deepest condolences to the families who lost their loved ones last night. Poleni sana,” he added.
The senator also called for a thorough review of Nairobi’s drainage systems, warning that the city cannot continue facing repeated flood disasters. His remarks come after days of heavy rainfall that submerged several streets across the capital.
Earlier, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja advised residents to remain cautious, avoid flooded roads, and cooperate with emergency response teams. In a statement released on Friday, the governor said county authorities have fully mobilized resources to manage the situation as heavy rains persist.
Sakaja said the county’s Disaster Management and Risk Department is on high alert and is coordinating response efforts across Nairobi. “The county has activated its Multi-Sectoral Disaster and Flood Mitigation Committee to provide 24-hour monitoring and rapid response services,” he stated.
The committee brings together multiple departments and agencies to ensure swift action during flooding or other weather-related emergencies. County teams from the Mobility and Works sector, including the “Green Army,” have been dispatched to all 17 sub-counties to clear blocked waterways and carry out emergency desilting of drainage systems.
The county also urged the public to avoid downed power lines, stay away from trees during storms, and report damaged infrastructure or blocked drains through emergency hotlines. Residents experiencing flooding, fallen trees, or other life-threatening situations were advised to contact the county’s 24-hour dispatch center at 020 2222181, 020 2223182, 020 2222183, or 020 2344599.
