FLOOD SUPPORT APPEAL – KIBERA
REPORT ON THE IMPACT OF RECENT HEAVY RAINS AND FLOODING IN KIBERA AND AROUND NAIROBI DAM
1. Introduction This report highlights the impact of the recent heavy rains and flooding affecting communities living around Nairobi Dam and the surrounding settlements within Kibera.
The intense rainfall experienced in recent days has caused flooding along sections of the Ngong River and its tributaries that drain into Nairobi Dam. These floods have significantly affected households located along the riparian corridor, leading to loss of lives, destruction of property, displacement of families, and disruption of critical community infrastructure.
2. Loss of Lives and Human Impact The floods have tragically resulted in the loss of several lives within Nairobi, with some incidents directly linked to the waterways connected to Nairobi Dam and the Ngong River system. Among the reported cases: A school-going child was swept away by floodwaters near the Highrise Estate at the main outlet of Nairobi Dam while attempting to cross a flooded section of the river. During the rescue efforts, a volunteer from the Kenya Red Cross lost his life after being electrocuted in the water while attempting to retrieve the child, highlighting the dangerous conditions within the swollen river channels. A bodaboda rider was also reportedly swept away by stormwater, while attempting to navigate a flooded section of the road near the river corridor. Cases of livestock being carried away by fast-moving waters were also reported within the riparian settlements.
These incidents demonstrate the severe risks faced by communities living close to the river systems, especially during periods of intense rainfall.
3. Impact on Communities Living Along Nairobi Dam Tributaries The communities living along the tributaries that feed into Nairobi Dam, particularly within Kibera, have been heavily affected.
The main impacts observed include: Flooding of houses located within the riparian zones, forcing families to temporarily evacuate. Destruction of household property, including furniture, clothing, food supplies, and personal belongings. Loss of livelihoods, particularly for small businesses, food vendors, and informal traders whose businesses were flooded. Livestock losses, affecting families who rely on small-scale animal keeping as a source of income.
Many households are now living in unsafe conditions as water levels recede slowly, leaving behind mud, debris, and contaminated water.
4. Destruction of Infrastructure Floodwaters also caused damage to several small but critical community infrastructure systems around Kibera and the Nairobi Dam catchment area. Some of the major challenges observed include: Footbridges connecting communities across river channels were swept away. These bridges serve as important links to schools, hospitals, markets, and workplaces. Some access pathways and roads near the riverbanks were eroded or submerged, making movement difficult for residents and emergency responders.
The destruction of these access points has temporarily disrupted normal activities such as school attendance, access to healthcare, and daily economic activities.
5. Solid Waste and Waterway Blockages One of the major contributing factors to the flooding observed around Nairobi Dam and Kibera is the accumulation of unmanaged solid waste within the waterways. Field observations show that: Large volumes of solid waste, household garbage, and organic debris accumulate within the river channels. This waste blocks drainage pathways and culverts, restricting the natural flow of stormwater. The blockages cause backflow of water into residential areas, increasing the severity of flooding.
This situation demonstrates the urgent need for improved solid waste management systems and installation of waste traps along key tributaries feeding into Nairobi Dam.
6. Public Health Risks The flooding has created significant public health risks within the affected communities. Major concerns include: Flooded houses remaining waterlogged, creating unsafe living environments. Increased risk of waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and diarrhea due to contaminated floodwater. Overflowing sanitation facilities in densely populated areas. Potential increase in mosquito breeding grounds, which could lead to higher malaria cases.
If urgent mitigation measures are not implemented, these conditions could lead to a secondary health crisis in the affected areas.
7. Observations and Recommendations Based on field observations within Kibera and around Nairobi Dam, the following actions are recommended:
Strengthen solid waste management and regular cleanup activities along the tributaries feeding into Nairobi Dam. Install and maintain waste traps to prevent debris from blocking waterways. Reconstruct damaged footbridges to restore access to schools, hospitals, and other essential services. Enhance community awareness on flood risks, particularly for households living close to riverbanks. Support relocation and safety measures for households living in high-risk riparian zones. Strengthen collaboration between community organizations, government agencies, and development partners in managing river ecosystems.
8. Conclusion The recent heavy rains have once again demonstrated the vulnerability of communities living along the Nairobi Dam catchment area and the Ngong River tributaries within Kibera. The loss of lives, destruction of infrastructure, and threats to public health highlight the urgent need for coordinated environmental management and disaster preparedness. Addressing solid waste pollution, improving river management, and protecting riparian zones will be critical in reducing the risk of future flooding disasters.
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Filling Potting Potting Bags - Nairobi Dam Tree Nursery
The Nairobi Dam Park (Tree Nursery) coming up nicely. A step at a time 🪜 Ngong River Zone 2 With the help and coordination of Brigadier Joseph Muracia, CEO Nairobi Rivers, we are able to make a step in the Nairobi Rivers Regeneration Project along the Ngong River (Nairobi Dam area). A step towards beautifying and regenerating the Ngong River. A journey of 1,000 miles.
Receiving potting bags for the Nairobi Dam Park Tree Nursery
Today, we've just received 20,000 Potting Bags from the Kenya Forestry Services through Officer James Mwangi.