Kenya’s capital city is undertaking extensive preparation measures as meteorologists forecast an exceptionally strong El Niño event expected to peak in November or December and extend into early 2027. Nairobi, home to nearly six million people, has a documented history of devastating flash floods, with over 100 fatalities recorded during flooding earlier this year in March.
To mitigate potential flood damage, the municipal government has deployed the Green Army, a youth employment initiative comprising more than 4,000 workers. While typically focused on sanitation and urban beautification tasks, these workers are currently engaged in clearing clogged drainage systems, removing accumulated debris, and dismantling unauthorized structures such as informal market stalls. According to Alex Oyando, a 30-year-old Green Army participant, removing obstruction from drainage channels allows water to flow properly and reduces flooding risk.
Bramwell Simiyu, the chief officer of disaster management for Nairobi’s county government, acknowledged that the city’s infrastructure was designed for a much smaller population. The aging systems were constructed decades ago to serve approximately 2 million residents, yet the daytime population now approaches 7 million. Kenya’s federal government has allocated $385 million toward infrastructure improvements, including waterway expansion, affordable housing construction, and enhanced waste management and sewer systems, with completion targeted by the end of 2027.
The demolition of informal structures has generated controversy within affected communities, as many residents depend on these stalls for income and affordable goods. Residents like fruit vendor Wycliffe Ochieng expressed concern about both the immediate loss of livelihoods and the ongoing vulnerability to flooding. Ochieng lost his business and a friend during the previous flooding season and fears the anticipated El Niño event could bring renewed disaster. County officials emphasize that removing these buildings reduces collapse risks during extreme weather, though the preparation efforts have created tension between flood prevention goals and community economic needs.
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