Nairobi Issues Public Health Alert as Heavy Rains Raise Safety Concerns Across City
Nairobi County has issued a public health and safety alert as persistent heavy rains continue to pound the capital, heightening the risk of flooding and related hazards. The notice, shared through the county’s official X account on Saturday, urged residents to quickly report any incidents that could threaten public safety. Authorities advised the public to use the county’s toll-free emergency line, 1508, for immediate assistance, stressing that protecting lives remains their top priority.
According to the county’s Public Health Sub-sector, the ongoing downpours pose multiple risks in neighbourhoods prone to flooding or poor drainage. Officials listed several dangers that residents should watch out for, including overflowing sewers, burst water pipes, contamination of drinking water, fallen electricity poles, and dangling power lines that may cause electrocution. The heavy rains have also increased the likelihood of trees toppling over, roads becoming blocked, buildings being weakened by prolonged exposure to water, and flash floods that can sweep people away in minutes. The county emphasised that timely reporting could help prevent injuries and save lives.
The advisory comes in the wake of a Kenya Meteorological Department forecast that predicted widespread rainfall and thunderstorms across the country through early November. Nairobi and other counties within the highlands east of the Rift Valley are expected to experience cloudy mornings followed by afternoon storms, with temperatures in the capital ranging between 16°C and 23°C. Regions such as Turkana, Samburu, Marsabit, Garissa, Machakos, and coastal counties including Mombasa and Kilifi will also see varied rainfall patterns, from scattered showers to intermittent sunshine. Authorities have urged Nairobi residents to exercise caution, especially when travelling through areas known for sudden flooding.
The alert also follows recent rain-related incidents elsewhere in the country. In Elgeyo Marakwet, a landslide in Moror Village and Chesongoch Centre left several people injured following heavy overnight rainfall. The tragedy echoes a deadly slide in 2024 in Marakwet East, which claimed two lives. As rains persist, county officials are calling for heightened vigilance, proper drainage maintenance, and adherence to safety guidelines to reduce the risk of further disasters throughout Nairobi and beyond.