CS Ruku Orders Immediate Changes, Calls Emergency Meeting After Nairobi Floods

Geoffrey Ruku, the Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, has ordered the immediate establishment of public information desks and emergency response centres across all sub-counties following severe flooding caused by heavy rains in Nairobi.

In a directive issued Saturday morning, Ruku instructed Deputy County Commissioners across the country to closely monitor the situation on the ground and provide regular updates on households affected by the floods.

The CS noted that the emergency desks will play a key role in coordinating rescue efforts, collecting information on affected residents, and ensuring that relief support reaches those in need. 

“The Ministry urges all Kenyans to remain vigilant and exercise caution, especially on the roads,” Ruku said. He further advised residents to stay away from swollen rivers and water channels that may have burst their banks due to the ongoing rains.

To strengthen the response to the developing crisis, the ministry convened an emergency meeting involving several national agencies tasked with disaster management and emergency response.

The meeting brought together representatives from the National Police Service, National Youth Service, Kenya Red Cross, St John Ambulance Kenya, the National Disaster Management Unit, the National Disaster Operations Centre and the National Drought Management Authority.

According to the ministry, the agencies will coordinate rescue operations, evacuation efforts and emergency assistance to communities affected by flooding in different parts of the country.

The directive comes as the Kenya Meteorological Department warned that heavy rainfall is expected to persist across several regions over the coming days.

On Friday, March 6, Nairobi experienced intense rainfall that flooded major roads, stranded motorists and displaced residents in several estates.

Earlier forecasts from the weather department had predicted that the capital would experience peak rainfall between March 4 and March 7. 

Areas including Westlands, Dagoretti, Roysambu, Kibra, Embakasi, Makadara and Kamukunji were expected to receive between 30 and 50 millimetres of rain within a 24-hour period.

Neighbouring Kiambu County was also projected to experience heavy rainfall exceeding 60 millimetres in areas such as Gatundu, Thika, Juja, Ruiru, Limuru and Kikuyu. 

Other nearby counties including Kajiado County and Machakos County were also forecast to receive heavy showers.

Beyond the capital region, the meteorological department issued alerts for several counties across the country. These include Nandi County, Kakamega County, Bungoma County, Baringo County, Nakuru County, Trans Nzoia County, Uasin Gishu County and West Pokot County.

Coastal counties including Mombasa County, Kilifi County, Lamu County and Kwale County were also listed among regions expected to experience heavy rainfall.

The weather department cautioned that flash floods are likely to occur in low-lying areas, densely populated settlements and regions with poor drainage systems.

Residents were advised to avoid walking or driving through moving water and to stay clear of trees, windows and other exposed structures during storms.

Meanwhile, emergency teams, including units from the Kenya Defence Forces, have already been deployed in parts of Nairobi to help manage traffic and assist residents affected by the floods as authorities continue to monitor the situation.