President Uhuru Kenyatta has directed the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure to work with the Nairobi County Government to improve the city’s drainage system.
The President ordered Cabinet Secretary James Macharia to work with Governor Mike Sonko in expanding the capacity of the city’s drainage system to curb future flooding.
He told the two leaders to ensure that there is no repeat of the perennial flash floods that wreak havoc in the city as a result of a poor drainage system.
President Kenyatta said it is unacceptable seeing city dwellers stranded in traffic jams while others spending the night in the cold because of poorly maintained roads and unclogged drainage system in the county.
“We cannot continue like this year after year looking at what happened recently following the heavy rains where roads were full of water and people being carried away by flash floods,” President Kenyatta said.
“I now direct my cabinet secretary because you are the one I can give orders to, to work together with Sonko. Next year I do not want to see people drowning in the city because you are unable to open drainage system in Nairobi.”
The President was speaking Thursday in Nairobi when he commissioned the first phase of the Ngong Road dual carriageway and launched the dualling of Ngong Road Phase II.
During the event, the Japanese Government through Ambassador Toshitsugu Uesawa, handed over to the Government of Kenya, construction equipment that will help in the rehabilitation of the second phase of the Ngong Road.
President Kenyatta further directed the two leaders to expedite the implementation of the Rapid Bus Transport programme and ease the movement of Nairobi residents within the city and its suburbs.
“We are constructing roads not only for those who own cars but also for those who use public transport. Nairobi residents must be assured of a public transport system that is affordable, efficient and convenient.
“Nairobi residents are tired of transport and infrastructure issues. You Sonko, you know that we promised them that we will transform their lives if they give us a chance. We want Kenyans to be given a reliable, efficient and affordable means of public transport and that is now your work Macharia working in hand with Sonko in accordance with our pledges to the people of Nairobi,” said Uhuru.
“We promised, as Jubilee Administration, we will transform the lives of the people of Nairobi and Kenya as a whole. We must work to ensure that is achieved.”
