The Ministry of Interior and National Administration has identified 37 neighbourhoods in Nairobi as flood-prone areas as heavy rains continue to pound different parts of the country.

According to the ministry, the areas were identified through a mapping exercise conducted under the Nairobi Rivers Regeneration Programme, which examined communities located along major river corridors and low-lying locations vulnerable to flooding.

In a statement issued on Sunday, March 15, 2025, the government warned that the ongoing rains have significantly increased the risk of flooding in both rural and urban areas, with Nairobi among the regions most exposed due to dense settlements and the presence of several rivers cutting through the city.

“Heavy rains continue to be experienced in different parts of the country, increasing the risk of flooding in both rural and urban areas, with Nairobi among the most affected. A mapping exercise conducted under the Nairobi Rivers Regeneration Programme has identified 37 neighbourhoods located along major river corridors and locations vulnerable to flooding,” the statement reads in part.

Flood-prone areas identified

In Nairobi East, the neighbourhoods flagged include Kiambiu, Dandora, Kariobangi, Kayole, Komarock, Njiru, Ruai, Mwiki, Donholm, Savannah, Tassia, and Fedha. Many of these areas lie downstream along sections of the Nairobi River and its tributaries.

“In Nairobi East, the areas identified include Kiambiu, Dandora, Kariobangi, Kayole, Komarock, Njiru, Ruai, Mwiki, Donholm, Savannah, Tassia, and Fedha, many of which lie downstream along sections of the Nairobi River and its tributaries,” the Interior Ministry stated.

In Nairobi West, the identified locations include Madaraka, Nairobi West, Lang’ata, Kawangware, Kangemi, Lavington, Westlands, Parklands, Kitisuru, Spring Valley, Kileleshwa, and Chiromo, which are situated along upstream and midstream sections of the river network.

For the Nairobi North corridor, neighbourhoods such as Mathare, Korogocho, and Lucky Summer were highlighted due to their proximity to the Mathare River, where dense settlements are located close to riverbanks.

“In Nairobi West, flood-prone locations include Madaraka, Nairobi West, Lang’ata, Kawangware, Kangemi, Lavington, Westlands, Parklands, Kitisuru, Spring Valley, Kileleshwa, and Chiromo, areas situated along upstream and midstream sections of the river network,” the government stated.

“In the Nairobi North corridor, neighbourhoods such as Mathare, Korogocho, and Lucky Summer have been identified along the Mathare River, where dense settlements closely border the river banks.”

Within Nairobi Central, the mapping identified areas including the Central Business District (CBD), Globe, Gikomba, Eastleigh, and the Industrial Area, where parts of the Nairobi River pass through heavily developed zones.

In Nairobi South, the neighbourhoods listed include Kilimani, Kibera, South C, South B, Mukuru Kwa Reuben, and Kwa Njenga, many of which lie along the Ngong River corridor.

Safety advisory to residents

The Interior Ministry said multi-agency disaster response teams are currently coordinating relief and response measures as heavy rainfall continues across the country.

Residents living near rivers, riparian zones, and low-lying areas have been urged to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to safeguard their lives and property.

Authorities warned that flooding risks are particularly high in densely populated neighbourhoods where settlements extend close to riverbanks and drainage channels.

The government has urged Nairobi residents to prioritize safety during periods of intense rainfall, avoid crossing flooded areas, and follow guidance issued by emergency response teams.

Officials noted that the mapping exercise will also help guide future mitigation efforts, urban planning, and river restoration projects aimed at reducing flood risks across the capital.

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