Nairobi Deploys 4,000-Worker Green Army to Clear Flood Paths

Nairobi authorities are deploying more than 4,000 workers to clear drainage channels and remove illegal structures as the city prepares for the strongest El Niño event in recorded history. Forecasters predict the weather pattern will peak in November or December and persist into early 2027. The city’s county government has activated its Green Army, a youth-employment program, to execute these defensive measures before the rainy season arrives.

On a recent October day, workers in reflective vests cleared dirt and debris from riverbanks near the city center. Alex Oyando, a 30-year-old participant, explained that removing blockages allows water to flow freely, which prevents flooding. He noted that hot days often signal an intense rainy season ahead, making preparation essential. The Green Army is currently tasked with clearing drains and dismantling unpermitted food stalls and other structures that pose collapse risks during storms.

The city faces a strain on infrastructure built for a much smaller population. Bramwell Simiyu, the chief officer of disaster management for the county, stated that current systems were designed for a population of no more than 2 million people. The city now manages a daytime population of close to 7 million. This mismatch exacerbates flood risks in low-income neighborhoods, where clogged waterways and aging pipes cause stormwater to accumulate rapidly.

Kenya’s federal government has allocated $385 million to widen waterways, construct affordable housing, and upgrade trash pickup and sewer systems by the end of 2027. This funding also supports the Climate WorX national youth employment program, which collaborates with the Green Army. Simiyu confirmed that the county is currently stocking supplies and establishing evacuation centers. He indicated that the worst-case scenario involves up to 20,000 households facing displacement, primarily in low-income settlements.

The demolition of unpermitted structures has drawn criticism from local residents. Tobias Sifuna, a Green Army supervisor, defended the removals by noting that these kiosks were built without county authorization. However, vendors argue that the stalls provide essential income and affordable food for workers. Wycliffe Ochieng, a 32-year-old fruit vendor, said many central Nairobi workers can no longer afford hot lunches during the day.

Ochieng lost his own small grocery stand during last March’s flash floods, which killed more than 100 people. He had to sleep outdoors because floodwaters prevented him from reaching his home. A friend who owned a nearby food stall died while attempting to escape the rising water. He rebuilt his business in a new neighborhood but struggled to regain his former customer base.

The vendor expressed concern that the current preparations may not be sufficient to protect livelihoods if the El Niño rains arrive. He stated that he fears the next flood event could force him to start over again. The county continues its work to clear paths and prepare for potential displacement as the weather system intensifies.