Nairobi Eyes Joint Flood Control Efforts with National Water Authority
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The Nairobi City County Government is exploring a closer working relationship with the National Water Harvesting and Storage Authority (NWHSA) in a bid to bolster its flood control and drainage management systems. This potential collaboration emerged during a meeting between senior water officials from both entities before the Nairobi County Assembly’s Sectoral Committee on Water and Sanitation.
The discussion, chaired by Highrise Member of County Assembly Kennedy Oyugi, highlighted the urgent need for effective solutions to Nairobi’s persistent flooding issues, which have tragically resulted in loss of life and widespread property damage.
George Nyabicha, Manager of Business Development & Resource Mobilization at NWHSA, informed the committee of the Authority’s readiness to assist the county. He emphasized that Nairobi could leverage NWHSA’s expertise and available machinery to implement significant interventions against flooding and inadequate drainage.
“Our collaboration with state departments and even county governments has always been above board due to the unique services we offer,” Mr. Nyabicha stated, expressing the Authority’s commitment to supporting devolved units.
Echoing this sentiment, City Hall’s Chief Officer for Water and Sanitation, Oscar Omoke, affirmed the county’s openness to partnering with any agency capable of providing solutions to challenges posed by heavy rainfall. He pointed to the devastating floods of 2024, which claimed at least 169 lives nationwide between March and April, with Nairobi accounting for 16 deaths and 13,000 displacements, underscoring the critical need for proactive measures.
Both the county and the national authority acknowledged the importance of keeping pace with Nairobi’s rapid urbanization and agreed that a collaborative approach could effectively address the evolving needs of the city.
This development follows preliminary discussions last month where NWHSA officials outlined potential areas of cooperation with the county to enhance water infrastructure. NWHSA Chief Executive Officer Julius Mugun had previously identified flood control and drainage management, rainwater harvesting, borehole drilling, and the rehabilitation of existing water sources as key areas for potential partnership.
Mr. Mugun emphasized the constitutional mandate of counties to provide water services, necessitating collaboration between national government agencies and devolved units. He also highlighted the potential for joint projects aimed at expanding access to reliable water sources through borehole initiatives.
Committee Chairman Kennedy Oyugi warmly received the proposed collaboration, pledging to organize further meetings involving officials from the Nairobi City County, NWHSA, and the Athi Water Works Development Agency to solidify a working framework. This multi-agency approach signals a concerted effort to tackle Nairobi’s water-related challenges comprehensively.
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