World news and discussion on TalkFuse.
‘It can kill us’: Kenyans fear impact of El Niño with floods predicted
Kenyans in flood-prone parts of Nairobi are bracing for the short rainy season after forecasts warned that El Niño could bring unusually heavy rain. In Kibera, Agnes Shikoli fears flooding could drown her or collapse her home; her sister died by electrocution during floods earlier this year, when more than 60 people died across Kenya.
Authorities are clearing rubbish from rivers and drains, which were blamed for worsening the earlier floods by preventing water from escaping. Nairobi’s drainage system was designed for a population of about 2.5 million, while the city now has roughly 7 million people during the day and 5.5 million at night. A full upgrade is estimated to cost up to $192m (£143m), funding the cash-strapped authorities may struggle to find.
In short
- El Niño could bring severe flooding to Kenya.
- More than 60 people died in floods earlier this year.
- Nairobi’s drainage upgrade could cost $192m.
Explained simply
El Niño is a warming of the tropical Pacific Ocean that can alter weather patterns around the world. In East Africa it is often linked with heavier rain, though its effects vary; Kenya’s short rainy season usually runs from around October to December.
Nairobi includes informal settlements such as Kibera, where many homes stand close to rivers and have limited protection from floods. The city’s drains were built for a smaller population, and rubbish can block water from flowing away. Flooding can damage homes and roads and bring risks including drowning and electrocution.
Local authorities are clearing drains and rivers, but a full drainage upgrade would be costly. The issue matters both for residents facing immediate danger and for a city whose infrastructure has struggled to keep pace with its growing population.