The Water Resources Authority (WRA) has issued an urgent flood warning to residents living downstream of Nairobi Dam, citing dangerously rising water levels that could lead to a breach of the dam’s embankment.
In a notice released on Sunday, WRA Nairobi Sub-Regional Coordinator Noel Ndeti warned that sustained heavy rainfall has significantly increased pressure on the dam’s earthen barrier, raising the risk of structural failure.
“Due to the ongoing heavy rains, residents living downstream of the Nairobi Dam are warned of imminent flood risk due to the rising water levels in the reservoir that threaten breaching of the dam embankment,” the statement said.
Evacuation Advisory Issued
The authority has urged residents and business operators in affected zones to take immediate precautionary measures, including relocating to higher ground away from potential flood paths.
Areas under evacuation advisory include Kibera, Nyayo Highrise, Dam Estate, Lang’ata, Nairobi West, and Madaraka. Additional downstream neighborhoods have also been placed on high alert as monitoring continues.
“Everyone living or operating downstream of the dam is cautioned to be vigilant and move to higher ground,” Ndeti added.
Heavy Rainfall Intensifies Risk
The warning coincides with an advisory from the Kenya Meteorological Department, which has forecast moderate to heavy rainfall across Nairobi and surrounding regions through Monday morning. The forecast indicates precipitation exceeding 20 millimetres within a 24-hour period, conditions that could further strain already saturated infrastructure.
Ongoing Monitoring
Authorities say the situation remains under close observation, with emergency response measures likely to be escalated if water levels continue to rise. Residents have been encouraged to follow official updates and prioritize safety as the risk of flooding remains high.
The Nairobi Dam, long affected by siltation and urban pressure, has periodically posed flood risks during intense rainfall seasons, highlighting ongoing concerns about infrastructure resilience and urban drainage management in the capital.
