Kibera, 5 Estates Ordered to Evacuate as Nairobi Dam Nears Breaking Point
The Water Resources Authority (WRA) issued the emergency directive on Friday, cautioning that the dam’s embankment could fail if water levels continue to rise. The aging structure sits within the densely populated Kibera area, approximately five kilometres southwest of the Nairobi Central Business District.
“Due to the ongoing heavy rains, residents living downstream of Nairobi Dam are warned of imminent flood risk due to the rising water levels in the reservoir that threaten breaching of the dam embankment,” read an internal notice signed by Sub-County Coordinator Noel Ndeti.
Immediate Evacuation Order
Authorities instructed residents in several estates—including Nyayo Highrise, Dam Estate, Lang’ata, Nairobi West, and Madaraka—to move to higher ground without delay. Informal settlements in Kibera were identified as particularly vulnerable due to high population density and proximity to the river channel.
“Everyone living or operating downstream of the dam is cautioned to be vigilant and move to higher ground,” the notice stated.
Officials warned that a potential breach could unleash sudden and destructive flooding, sweeping through low-lying neighbourhoods with little warning.
Wider Areas Placed on High Alert
Beyond the immediate evacuation zones, other parts of the city were placed on high alert. These include sections of Mukuru informal settlements—Kwa Njenga, Reuben, and Viwandani—as well as South B, Pipeline, Embakasi, and the Industrial Area.
Disaster response teams have been mobilised, though authorities acknowledge that evacuating densely populated settlements presents major logistical challenges.
Earlier Warnings as Water Levels Rise
Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura said at the time that experts were conducting technical assessments to determine the structural integrity of the reservoir.
“The government is closely monitoring the rising water levels at Nairobi Dam and advises residents living downstream to remain alert,” Mwaura said. “A technical assessment of the dam is currently underway.”
Heavy Rains Batter Nairobi
The evacuation order coincides with forecasts from the Kenya Meteorological Department predicting continued moderate to heavy rainfall accompanied by isolated thunderstorms across the Nairobi metropolitan area.
The sustained rainfall has already triggered flooding in several parts of the city. On Friday, motorists and pedestrians were stranded as major roads, including Moi Avenue and Mombasa Road, were inundated by floodwaters. No fatalities were reported, though significant property damage and transport disruptions occurred.
Growing Concerns Over Aging Infrastructure
Nairobi Dam, originally constructed decades ago for flood control and water storage, has long been criticised for poor maintenance, heavy siltation, and pollution. Environmental experts have repeatedly warned that neglect has reduced its capacity to safely contain large volumes of water.
Authorities Urge Vigilance
Emergency services are urging residents to comply with evacuation orders and avoid crossing flooded areas, particularly at night when visibility is low.
For many residents living downstream, the situation underscores the precarious balance between extreme weather, aging infrastructure, and dense urban settlement—factors that together pose an escalating risk as the rainy season intensifies.
ALSO READ: Affordable Housing Creates 1,000 Jobs Daily as Govt Accelerates Development Push in Nyanza Region
Kibera, 5 Estates Ordered to Evacuate as Nairobi Dam Nears Breaking Point
