Babu Owino Proposes Deepening Rivers to Tackle Nairobi Floods

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has suggested a bold plan to reduce Nairobi’s frequent floods. He called for widening and deepening the city’s main rivers; Ngong, Mathare and Nairobi, to improve the flow of stormwater and prevent rivers from spilling into residential areas.

Speaking to residents on Tuesday, Owino criticised Nairobi County leaders for poor planning and weak drainage systems. “The drainage system in Nairobi is very shallow. To fix flooding, we must expand and deepen it,” he said. He added that better river management could significantly reduce flood damage in estates regularly affected by overflowing rivers.

Owino also highlighted the need for proper stormwater channels and better use of dams to store excess rainwater. He warned that illegal construction and poor urban planning block natural water paths, worsening floods. Protecting wetlands, he said, is essential as they naturally absorb heavy rainfall and reduce risks in surrounding communities.

He stressed that focusing on the three major rivers would allow Nairobi to handle stormwater more effectively. “Ngong, Mathare, and Nairobi Rivers should be widened and deepened so that floodwater is directed safely and does not overflow into homes and streets,” Owino explained.

The MP argued that these measures, combined with strict enforcement of urban planning laws, would prevent loss of life and property during heavy rains. His proposals come after recent floods in Nairobi claimed at least 23 lives and caused significant damage to homes and infrastructure.