KeNHA Begins Major Drainage Works in Nairobi Ahead of Anticipated El Niño

KeNHA Begins Major Drainage Works in Nairobi Ahead of Anticipated El Niño

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has started major drainage improvement works along key roads in Nairobi as the country prepares for the anticipated El Niño rains.

The works have begun along the James Gichuru Road Junction–JKIA A8/B10 Corridor, one of Nairobi’s busiest transport routes.

KeNHA said the project is aimed at improving stormwater management and reducing the risk of flooding along the highway during periods of heavy rainfall.

The authority said early preparations are necessary to protect lives, property and critical road infrastructure from the effects of flooding.

“The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) is set to undertake drainage improvement works across the network ahead of the expected El Niño rains.”

KeNHA said the first phase of the drainage programme is already underway along the James Gichuru Junction–JKIA corridor.

“Such improvements have begun in earnest along the James Gichuru Road Junction–JKIA A8/B10 Corridor to address stormwater management challenges affecting the highway drainage system.”

KeNHA Targets Flooding Along Nairobi Roads

The drainage works are being implemented as part of a wider capacity enhancement, landscaping and beautification project along the busy corridor.

KeNHA said the improvements will increase the capacity of drainage systems and help control stormwater before it causes damage to roads and surrounding infrastructure.

“The works, being undertaken as part of the ongoing capacity enhancement, landscaping, and beautification project, will improve stormwater management, protect road infrastructure, and support safe, efficient, and sustainable road transport.”

The authority said uncontrolled stormwater has previously contributed to damage to roads and other infrastructure, particularly during periods of intense rainfall.

Improving drainage capacity is therefore expected to reduce water accumulation on the highway and improve movement for motorists during heavy rains.

The project also forms part of broader efforts to strengthen Nairobi’s preparedness for the expected October-December rainy season.

Nairobi Steps Up El Niño Preparedness

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has also established multi-agency teams to coordinate the city’s preparations for the expected heavy rains.

The teams will focus on several areas, including drainage and infrastructure, emergency response and evacuation, shelter and relief, security and traffic management, and public communication.

The county government’s preparations come after Nairobi experienced severe flooding during previous rainy seasons.

Heavy rainfall has caused widespread disruption in the capital, with vehicles submerged, homes affected and residents forced to seek emergency assistance.

During heavy rains recorded in February and March 2026, several people lost their lives while dozens of vehicles were damaged or destroyed by floods.

The incidents renewed concerns over Nairobi’s drainage infrastructure and the city’s ability to cope with intense rainfall.

El Niño Raises Flood Concerns

The expected El Niño rains have increased pressure on national and county authorities to complete preparedness measures before the rainy season begins.

The rains are expected from October 2026, coinciding with Kenya’s traditional October-November-December short-rains season.

Weather experts have warned that the combination of El Niño conditions and a positive Indian Ocean Dipole could increase the risk of above-normal rainfall across parts of East Africa.

Kenya faces an estimated 81 per cent probability of a strong El Niño combined with a positive Indian Ocean Dipole, raising concerns over torrential rainfall and flooding between October and December.

For Nairobi, the drainage improvements along major roads are expected to play a key role in reducing the impact of stormwater.

KeNHA’s ongoing works, together with county-level emergency preparations, are intended to strengthen the city’s ability to cope with heavy rainfall and keep major transport corridors operational.

Authorities are now under pressure to complete critical drainage and flood-prevention measures before the anticipated rains intensify.

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KeNHA Begins Major Drainage Works in Nairobi Ahead of Anticipated El Niño