17 bridges swept away in Nairobi floods
About 17 bridges in Nairobi have been washed away by the ongoing floods.
According to Nairobi County Governor Johnson Sakaja, the water infrastructure is currently being rehabilitated.
Speaking during the 2024 Labour Day celebrations, the county boss did not reveal the exact locations of the bridges.
The 59th Labour Day celebrations were held at Uhuru Gardens on Wednesday, May 1, and were graced by President William Ruto, who was accompanied by his Deputy Rigathi Gachagua.
“As a county government, we have put in place strategies and plans to rebuild the bridges,” said Mr Sakaja.
Nairobi County is one of the areas affected by the ongoing flooding in various parts of the country.
Sakaja acknowledged that the impact has been exacerbated by poor drainage, clogged systems and houses built close to rivers and waterways.
At least 170 people have died as a result of the flash floods, with the most recent incident claiming the most lives in Mai Mahiu, Naivasha.
“Most of the people affected are those who live along the rivers. We have a problem and people who stayed near the affected places should not go back,” said Mr Sakaja.
Due to poor drainage systems in roads and residential areas, some houses have been washed away by the heavy rains.
“In areas with poor drainage, the systems have become blocked. This is an issue that we as a county are working on in partnership with the national government,” said the county governor.
For example, the Thika Super Highway, Kenya’s largest expressway, has been affected by poor drainage infrastructure, particularly between Kenyatta University (KU) and Kahawa Sukari.
On Wednesday morning, motorists spent hours at the said hotspot as floods took over the road.
As rivers swell and banks burst, people are being warned not to cross them as cases of drowning have been recorded.