Nairobi County Member of Parliament Babu Owino has proposed a straightforward solution to the city’s recurring flooding problems, attributing much of the issue to the state of the capital’s rivers.
Speaking on the matter, Owino said that “dealing with floods in Nairobi is actually very simple,” pointing out that the rivers running through the city are too shallow to handle heavy rainfall. According to him, the limited depth of these waterways is a major factor contributing to the severe flooding that residents face during the rainy season.
He suggested that by expanding and deepening the rivers, they would be able to hold significantly more water, reducing the risk of overflow during storms. Owino emphasized that proper maintenance is equally important, arguing that once Nairobi’s rivers are adequately deepened and regularly cleared of debris, the city would not experience the devastating floods it sees today.
The MP’s remarks come amid widespread public frustration over flooding, which has displaced thousands of residents, damaged homes and infrastructure, and disrupted daily life in several parts of Nairobi. He called for urgent action from county authorities to implement long-term river management strategies rather than relying solely on temporary measures like sandbags and drainage repairs.
Owino’s proposal has sparked discussions online, with some residents and urban planners welcoming the focus on river rehabilitation as a practical solution, while others have questioned how quickly such projects could be executed given the city’s complex urban layout and ongoing development pressures.
The recurring floods in Nairobi highlight the need for sustainable urban planning and investment in drainage systems, with Owino’s recommendation adding to the debate on how to safeguard the city from future climate-related disasters.
