The Nairobi Rivers Commission (NRC), in collaboration with government agencies and the Nairobi City County Government, has opened the emergency spillway at Nairobi Dam to prepare for the anticipated El Niño rains.
In a statement on Monday, October 19, the commission confirmed that water was already flowing through the spillway as part of measures to reduce potential flooding and support the dam’s restoration.
The exercise forms part of a multi-agency initiative aimed at improving flood preparedness while restoring Nairobi’s river ecosystems.
Nairobi dam spillway opened ahead of forecast heavy rainfall. Photo: Courtesy.
The commission urged residents living downstream of Nairobi Dam to remain calm, explaining that the opening was part of planned safety and restoration measures.
However, residents were advised to keep away from flowing water and river channels, remain vigilant and follow official safety advisories issued by the relevant authorities.
The NRC also warned that water levels and flow conditions could change depending on rainfall and other factors, urging communities downstream to exercise caution and comply with safety instructions.
The intervention comes as authorities intensify preparations for anticipated heavy rainfall and seek to mitigate flooding risks in vulnerable areas of Nairobi.
