Nairobi County Governor Johnson Sakaja has linked the city’s ongoing infrastructure issues, particularly chronic flooding, to years of insufficient funding, amid public outcry from citizens and some leaders.
In his first remarks since the floods caused widespread disruption on March 8, 2026, Sakaja emphasized that Nairobi needs billions to permanently resolve its drainage problems. He stated that the county requires at least Ksh60 billion annually to adequately address infrastructure needs, maintain public services, and respond to emergencies like the current floods.
“I am not overwhelmed; I am under-resourced,” he declared in a local TV interview, stressing the need for significant investment to meet the city’s development challenges.
Sakaja also argued that Nairobi deserves distinct treatment due to its status as the nation’s capital. Despite an increase in local revenue from Ksh8 billion to Ksh13.8 billion, he insisted that it remains insufficient for a city facing rising service demands.
“Nairobi is a service city, employing thousands of public servants who ensure essential services operate daily,” he noted.
As of now, the government has confirmed 42 deaths from the flash floods nationwide, with Nairobi accounting for 26 of these fatalities. Sakaja highlighted collaboration with the national government as key to addressing the county’s financial limitations, projecting that a new cooperation framework could unlock an additional Ksh80 billion for infrastructure development and service enhancement.
“Every global capital has an arrangement with its national government for city financing,” he stated.
Amid concerns over flooding, Sakaja criticized some leaders for politicizing the issue, urging a focus on coordinated emergency responses and support for affected families. This follows political disputes regarding the county’s preparedness for emergencies.
Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei criticized Nairobi City County leadership for its handling of the floods, calling for compensation for families affected by the crisis. He described the flooding as a reflection of a dysfunctional county government, accusing officials of failing to respond effectively.
Cherargei asserted that the disaster highlighted a lack of a clear rainstorm intervention policy and emergency response plan, leading to inadequate intervention during the flooding.
“It’s tragic that Nairobi City County lacks a rainstorm intervention policy. This failure to respond underscores deeper governance issues,” he remarked, urging that the national government’s intervention could help resolve the crisis.
“The Nairobi City County must compensate for the lives lost and properties destroyed,” he concluded.
