Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna Urges Thorough Overhaul of City's Failing Drainage Infrastructure

Expressing deep sorrow for the victims—including those who lost their lives, spent the night stranded on roads, or suffered extensive property damage—Sifuna described the recurring crisis as a clear sign of leadership shortcomings. He extended condolences to affected families and residents, stating that Nairobi's people "don’t deserve this" repeated hardship every rainy season.

In statements shared on social media, Sifuna criticized the reliance on temporary, fragmented fixes that have repeatedly proven ineffective against intense downpours. He stressed that piecemeal measures fail to address the root causes, allowing streets to turn into rivers, major roads to become impassable, and neighborhoods to face submersion year after year. The senator emphasized the urgent need for a holistic review of how the entire city manages stormwater drainage, arguing that only a coordinated, comprehensive approach can break the cycle of destruction. His office has already dispatched assessment teams to gauge the damage and offer immediate assistance where possible.

The senator's remarks align with the broader emergency response, as Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja confirmed the deployment of county disaster teams for search, rescue, and cleanup operations, while police reported 10 fatalities and over 70 vehicles trapped or stranded. Sifuna's push for systemic change comes amid public outrage over the persistent flooding, highlighting long-standing complaints about inadequate urban planning, blocked waterways, and insufficient infrastructure upgrades. He urged leaders across levels to prioritize meaningful reforms to prevent future tragedies and ensure the city's drainage can withstand the increasing intensity of rainfall.