Residents urged to move to higher ground as Nairobi Dam water levels rise

In a notice, WRA Nairobi Sub-Regional Coordinator Noel Ndeti said part of the dam’s earthen barrier is at risk of being washed away due to the ongoing rains.

“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 notice said.

WRA urged those living or operating businesses downstream to remain vigilant and move to safer areas away from the direction of flow.

“Everyone living or operating downstream of the dam is cautioned to be vigilant and move to higher ground,” Ndeti said.

Areas listed under the evacuation advisory include Kibera, Nyayo Highrise, Dam Estate, Lang’ata, Nairobi West and Madaraka.

The authority said other nearby downstream neighbourhoods have been placed on high alert as the situation is monitored.

The warning comes as the Kenya Meteorological Department issued a heavy rainfall advisory for Nairobi and surrounding areas, running until Monday morning, forecasting moderate to heavy rainfall of more than 20 millimetres within 24 hours.