NAIROBI, Kenya — The Nairobi City County Government has announced a one-month waiver on levies and approvals required for property repair works following the recent heavy rains and flooding that caused widespread damage across the capital.
In a public notice issued on Wednesday, March 11, Acting County Secretary Godfrey Akumali said the measure is intended to enable residents and businesses to quickly repair properties damaged by the floods.
Temporary Relief for Property Owners
Akumali explained that the waiver applies to regulatory levies and approvals normally required before property owners can undertake repair and maintenance work.
According to the county government, the directive aims to accelerate the restoration of homes, businesses and public facilities affected by the flooding while ensuring the safety and wellbeing of residents through timely structural repairs.
“Residents are strongly encouraged to take advantage of this waiver to carry out necessary works within the stipulated timeframe,” the notice stated.
Despite the waiver, the county government said it will continue to provide technical oversight and guidance to ensure that all repair works comply with established safety and building standards.
The relief measure will remain in force for 30 days starting March 11, after which normal regulatory requirements for property repair approvals will resume.
Flood Disaster Claims Dozens of Lives
The announcement follows devastating floods triggered by heavy rainfall on March 6, which left 43 people dead and caused widespread disruption across Nairobi.
Floodwaters overwhelmed drainage systems in several neighbourhoods including South C, South B, and Nairobi West, leaving roads submerged and disrupting transport networks.
Motorists using Uhuru Highway were among the most affected as rising water levels engulfed sections of the busy roadway, with some vehicles nearly submerged.
Residents in several estates also reported water entering homes after drainage systems failed to handle the sudden surge in rainwater.
Emergency Response and Long-Term Plans
In response to the crisis, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja said the county had activated an emergency response team to coordinate rescue and recovery operations.
The governor added that a multi-agency task force, including the National Police Service and the Kenya Red Cross Society, had been deployed to strengthen response efforts across affected areas.
Speaking during an interview, Sakaja acknowledged that Nairobi’s persistent drainage challenges cannot be solved through short-term fixes, stressing the need for long-term infrastructure investment.
“I know where I have gotten this city from, I know what the plan is, and I have figured out how to plug the deficit of financing, and you will see the results,” Sakaja said.
“I want to see my city change. I have the best intentions for this city; this is where I was born.”
County officials say the temporary waiver is part of broader efforts to support community recovery as Nairobi continues to deal with the impact of the ongoing heavy rains.
