The National Liberal Party Calls for Immediate Action on Nairobi’s Flood Crisis
The National Liberal Party (NLP) has raised urgent concerns over the state of Nairobi’s drainage and flood management systems following a series of devastating floods caused by heavy rains. These floods have resulted in loss of life, displacement of families, and widespread destruction across the capital city.
In a statement released on Sunday, Dr. Augustus Muli, the leader of the NLP, highlighted the unacceptable situation that Nairobi continues to face whenever heavy rains occur. He described the scenes of submerged roads, stranded families, destroyed homes, and lives lost as a painful reminder of a recurring crisis that the city has endured for years.
Muli pointed out that the recent floods once again exposed serious weaknesses in the city’s drainage infrastructure and disaster preparedness systems. He emphasized that it is unacceptable for a modern capital city to grind to a halt during predictable weather events. “Nairobi residents deserve a city that can withstand these events without descending into chaos and tragedy,” he said.
According to preliminary reports, the floods have already claimed more than twenty lives and displaced hundreds of residents. Several areas across the city reported severe flooding that damaged homes, businesses, vehicles, and critical infrastructure.
Muli expressed deep sympathy for the victims and their families, stating that the party was deeply saddened by the loss of life and widespread destruction. “It is with a heavy heart that we express our most heartfelt remorse and condolences to the families who have lost loved ones,” he said. “Our deepest sympathies also go to the thousands of residents whose homes, businesses, and livelihoods have been swept away by the raging waters.”
The NLP leader called on both the national government and the Nairobi City County Government to take responsibility for what he described as recurring failures in urban planning and disaster response. “While we mourn with the affected families, we must also speak the truth: this disaster did not occur in a vacuum,” Muli said. He noted that Kenyans have long been promised lasting solutions to the perennial flooding that affects Nairobi every rainy season.
Muli pointed out that previous flooding disasters had prompted government commitments to improve drainage systems, clear blocked waterways, and protect riparian land from encroachment. “Successive governments have pledged to strengthen drainage systems, enforce environmental regulations, and relocate families living along dangerous riverbanks. Yet every heavy rainfall continues to expose the same failures,” he said.
He also demanded immediate emergency support for affected residents, including shelter, food, and medical assistance. “The government must move quickly to provide emergency shelter, food supplies, and medical support for families who have lost everything,” he said.
Beyond emergency relief, Muli emphasized the need for long-term solutions to address Nairobi’s flood crisis. “The government must outline long-term investments in modern drainage infrastructure and enforce riparian protection laws. The lives of Nairobi residents cannot continue to be treated as collateral damage of poor planning and broken promises,” he said.
Muli warned that temporary relief measures without structural reforms would only perpetuate the cycle of tragedy. “The time for statements and temporary relief has long passed. What the people of Nairobi need now is action, accountability, and leadership,” he added.
