The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has suggested several solutions to help address the recurring flooding in Nairobi after heavy rains last Friday left many parts of the city flooded and disrupted transport and business operations.
The intense rainfall submerged major roads and residential areas, forcing motorists and pedestrians to move through flooded streets while some homes were also affected by the rising water levels.
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The situation once again sparked discussions about Nairobi’s ability to cope with seasonal rains and the long-standing issues related to poor drainage systems and urban planning.
Through his social media platforms, Babu Owino stated that improving infrastructure and better environmental management could play a major role in reducing flooding in the capital.
He proposed a number of key measures, including:
- Expanding and deepening drainage systems
- Improving stormwater management
- Rehabilitating and expanding rivers
- Using dams to store excess stormwater
- Strengthening urban planning and curbing illegal construction
- Protecting wetlands
- Planting more trees and improving waste management
Babu noted that many drainage channels across the city are too shallow to handle large volumes of rainwater during heavy downpours.
He explained that widening and deepening these drainage systems would help prevent water from accumulating in residential estates and business districts during intense rainfall.
The legislator also emphasised the need to strengthen stormwater management systems to ensure rainwater is properly directed away from roads and homes.
“Effective stormwater drainage will help reduce the amount of water that remains on streets after heavy rainfall,” he said.
Another key proposal he highlighted was the rehabilitation and expansion of Nairobi’s major rivers, including Nairobi River, Ngong River, and Mathare River.
According to him, widening and deepening these rivers would allow them to carry larger volumes of water during heavy rains, reducing the chances of overflow into nearby estates and informal settlements.
Babu further suggested using existing dams within the city as temporary storage facilities for stormwater.
He said the dams could help hold excess water during heavy rains, lowering the amount of water flowing through roads and neighborhoods.
The MP also stressed the importance of proper urban planning in preventing floods.
He warned against constructing buildings in unsuitable areas, particularly wetlands, noting that illegal developments in such locations reduce the land’s natural ability to absorb rainwater and increase flood risks.
Protecting wetlands and stopping illegal construction would allow vegetation and soil to naturally absorb rainfall, thereby reducing surface runoff.
In addition, Babu proposed increased tree planting and better waste management as part of the solution.
He noted that garbage often blocks drainage channels, preventing water from flowing freely, and called for consistent waste collection to keep drainage systems clear during storms.
His proposals come as Nairobi continues to experience regular flooding during heavy rains, with authorities often blaming blocked drainage systems, limited infrastructure, and rapid urban growth for the problem.
