Nairobi mobilizes 4,000 workers for floods

Nairobi is preparing for a flood season that forecasters predict will be the strongest on record.

The city's county government has activated a workforce of more than 4,000 young people to clear drainage channels and remove unpermitted structures. This group, known as the Green Army, usually handles trash collection and urban greening. For the coming weeks, their focus shifts to mitigating the impact of a Super El Niño that is expected to peak between November and December.

On a hot October day near the city center, workers in reflective vests dug through debris on riverbanks. Alex Oyando, a 30-year-old laborer, explained that removing dirt allows water to flow freely. He noted that clear troughs are the most effective way to prevent the water from overflowing into streets and homes.

Nairobi residents face a persistent risk of flash floods. More than 100 people died in rain-related floods last March. The disaster prompted residents to demand better infrastructure from the government. Many of the Green Army workers live in low-income neighborhoods that are most vulnerable to these events. Oyando said his street often floods, trapping him in his home when the water rises.

Bramwell Simiyu, the chief officer of disaster management for the county, cited a population mismatch as a root cause. The city's drainage systems were designed for a population of 2 million people. Nairobi now has a daytime population of nearly 7 million. This imbalance causes stormwater to back up quickly during heavy rains.

The federal government has allocated $385 million to address these issues. The plan aims to widen waterways, build affordable housing, and upgrade sewer systems by the end of 2027. A national youth employment program called Climate WorX also supports the local Green Army efforts. The county is currently stocking supplies and designating evacuation centers for the rainy season.

Simiyu said officials are preparing for a worst-case scenario. In that scenario, up to 20,000 households, primarily in low-income settlements, could be affected. The preparation includes the controversial demolition of illegal structures, such as food stalls built without county permits. Tobias Sifuna, a Green Army supervisor in the Kamukunji area, described these kiosks as community-built and unauthorized.

The removal of these stalls has drawn criticism from residents who rely on them for income and affordable meals. Wycliffe Ochieng, a 32-year-old fruit vendor, said many workers in central Nairobi now struggle to buy lunch. He described the current situation as forcing workers to skip meals because they cannot afford to eat elsewhere.

Ochieng experienced the consequences of the last flood season firsthand. He lost his small grocery stand and had to sleep outdoors because floodwaters blocked access to his home. A friend who owned a nearby food stall died while trying to escape the rising water. He rebuilt his business in a new neighborhood but lost his established customer base.

The community faces a difficult choice between immediate livelihood and long-term safety. Ochieng said he fears the upcoming El Niño events will cause further destruction. He expressed concern that he may not be able to recover his life and business a second time if the floods return.