Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja faces criticism from former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over the city's drainage infrastructure, as officials prepare for the impacts of El Niño. Gachagua highlighted concerns that inadequate drainage could worsen flooding during the upcoming rains, raising questions about the city's readiness for extreme weather.
Meanwhile, Sakaja's Green Army programme has been credited with improving waste management, creating 4,500 permanent jobs and increasing daily garbage collection to 3,000 tonnes. The initiative aims to address environmental challenges while supporting local employment. However, experts note that while waste management has improved, drainage remains a critical issue for flood prevention.
Authorities are working to enhance drainage systems ahead of the rainy season, but the pace of progress has drawn scrutiny. With El Niño expected to bring heavier rainfall, the effectiveness of current measures will be closely watched. The situation underscores the complex challenges of urban development in a rapidly growing city.
