Nairobi deploys 4,000 workers to clear drains ahead of record El Niño

Kenya’s capital faces a winter forecast for the strongest El Niño event on record, with peak conditions expected between November and early 2027. To mitigate the risk of catastrophic flooding, Nairobi County has activated its Green Army, a workforce of more than 4,000 individuals.

The program, primarily designed for youth employment in urban greening and waste management, has shifted focus to emergency preparation. Workers in reflective vests are currently shoveling dirt and removing debris from riverbanks and drainage troughs. Alex Oyando, a 30-year-old team member, stated that clearing these channels allows water to flow freely, which is essential for preventing floods.

Nairobi residents are acutely aware of the danger after more than 100 people died in rain-induced flash floods in March 2026. The city’s infrastructure was built for a population of 2 million, but the daytime population now approaches 7 million. Bramwell Simiyu, the chief officer of disaster management for the county, noted that aging drainage systems and clogged waterways contribute to stormwater accumulation in low-income neighborhoods.

The Green Army is also dismantling illegal structures, including food stalls built without government permits. These kiosks are located in areas prone to flooding and pose a risk of collapse during heavy rains. Tobias Sifuna, a supervisor in the Kamukunji area, described the demolitions as a necessary step to clear pathways for water flow.

However, the removal of these stalls has disrupted local livelihoods. Wycliffe Ochieng, a 32-year-old fruit vendor, reported that many workers can no longer afford a hot lunch during the day because their usual vendors have been cleared. He said, "Now, we have to sleep without food because we can't afford it."

Ochieng lost his own grocery stand in the previous rainy season and had to rebuild his business in a new location where he lacked an established customer base. He recalled that the floodwaters turned his street into an ocean, sweeping away nearby stalls and forcing him to sleep outdoors. A friend who owned a food stall died while attempting to escape the rising water.

The county government is preparing for a worst-case scenario that could affect up to 20,000 households, primarily in low-income settlements. Simiyu said the county is currently stocking supplies and establishing evacuation centers. A federal plan valued at $385 million aims to widen waterways, build affordable housing, and upgrade the sewer system by the end of 2027.