More than 4,000 Green Army personnel have been deployed across Nairobi to clear blocked drainage systems and rivers after heavy rains on the evening of Friday, March 6 caused widespread flooding, deaths and destruction of property in several parts of the city.
In a statement issued by Acting County Secretary Godfrey Akumali, the Nairobi City County Government said the downpour triggered flooding in many neighbourhoods, forcing emergency teams to move in to support affected residents and manage the situation.
“Following the heavy rains witnessed in Nairobi County last night we have witnessed the impact and subsequent flooding in the city. Regrettably, we confirm the loss of several people. The Nairobi City County Government wishes to convey its sincere condolences.”
County teams, working together with other national agencies, are now carrying out river and drainage cleanup operations across the capital to reduce the risk of further flooding.
The Green Army teams are removing solid waste, clearing blocked drainage channels and widening waterways to improve water flow.
At the same time, the flooding damaged several major water pipelines in the city, disrupting supply in different areas. Among the affected infrastructure is the DN 600mm Outering Road pipeline at the Nairobi River crossing, the DN 300mm Eastleigh–Kiambiu pipeline, the DN 200mm Korogocho–Dandora line and the DN 100mm Brookeside Drive pipeline serving Lower Kabete.
Technical teams from Nairobi City Water have been mobilised and repairs are underway as the county works to restore water supply as quickly as possible.
Authorities said emergency response teams led by the Disaster Management Department were activated immediately after the heavy rainfall and are now coordinating operations with national government agencies and humanitarian organisations.
“We are coordinating closely with all relevant authorities and agencies including the National Government, National Police Service, and the Red Cross, to ensure the safety and well-being of our people and property.”
During the downpour, the county’s emergency call centres received many distress calls between 7:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m. Residents reported flooded homes, stranded motorists and people trapped in various parts of the city.
Among the affected areas are Dagoretti, Parklands, South B, South C, Kariokor, Buruburu, Umoja, parts of the CBD, Globe Roundabout, Kirinyaga Road, Kibera, Nairobi West, Bunyala Road, Enterprise Road, Kariobangi South, Lang’ata, Eastleigh, Kahawa West, Kamukunji and Waiyaki Way.
An aerial view of a residential area flooded during the heavy downpour in Nairobi on March 6, 2026.PHOTO/HANDOUTThe county said emergency teams continue to monitor flood-prone locations and assist residents in the affected neighbourhoods.
To strengthen the response efforts, the county has also activated 18 Community Based Disaster Response Teams made up of about 100 personnel to assist in search and rescue operations, evacuations and public communication on flood risks within communities.
Preliminary reports indicate that several homes have been affected and some residents displaced by the floods. County teams are currently conducting assessments to determine the level of damage before support is issued to affected families.
Authorities said families affected by the floods will receive assistance including blankets and other essential relief supplies through a coordinated response involving multiple agencies.
Residents have also been advised to take precaution as the county continues to monitor the situation around the clock.
“The County Government urges residents to remain vigilant, avoid flooded roads and riverbanks, keep children away from swollen rivers and drainage channels, and cooperate with emergency teams as the County maintains 24-hour monitoring and rapid response operations.”
Various county departments including Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company, Health, Wellness and Nutrition, Mobility and Works, and Disaster Management teams have been deployed to the affected areas to manage the crisis.
Heavy equipment such as backhoes, wheel loaders, flushing units and excavators has also been sent to the ground to help clear drainage channels and support recovery efforts.
The county government said all emergency services remain on high alert and residents experiencing emergencies can reach the county through hotline 1508 or the numbers 020 2222181, 020 2223182, 020 2222183 and 020 2344599.
Officials said the county remains committed to addressing the impact of the heavy rains while working on measures to reduce flooding risks in the future.
