Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino has launched a scathing critique on Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja over the city’s flooding crisis, highlighting the plight of bodaboda operators whose livelihoods have been affected by poor drainage systems.
In a strongly-worded statement on January 30, 2025, Owino expressed his concern over a particular incident involving a bodaboda rider whose motorcycle engine was submerged in flood water, potentially leaving him unable to earn his daily income.
“My heart pains when I see this Bodaboda rider who depends on this machine to earn a living; to pay school fees for his kids, to buy food, to pay monthly rent and to pay for other expenses,” the legislator wrote on his X account.
He voiced worries over the rider’s potential loss of income after his motorcycle was totalled, noting that such operators typically earn only about Ksh200 per day after fuel costs, making it difficult for them to replace a damaged bike.
“This man only makes approximately 200/- per day after purchasing fuel yet his motorbike won’t operate again because the engine is submerged in water as a result of poor drainage system in Nairobi which is brought about by poor Leadership,” Babu said.
The MP notably criticized the county government’s management of the city’s drainage system, questioning how the county’s Ksh42 billion budget has been utilized.
He pointed out that many bodaboda operators acquire their motorcycles through loans, which they must repay regardless of such setbacks.
Using the hashtag ‘Nairobi inasink’—a play on words that combines English and Swahili and mimics Sakaja’s catchphrase ‘Lazima I work’—Babu accused the county administration of incompetence and being “good at making excuses” rather than providing real solutions to the flooding issues.
“We have a total budget of 42 Billion shillings yet the Governor does nothing, only good at excuses. #Nairobi Inasink,” he wrote.
Ongoing flooding
Nairobi has continued to experience flooding in various areas each time there is heavy rainfall.
Several roads across the city have been flooded over the past few days, leading to significant traffic jams as the county deals with persistent heavy rain.
On January 26, 2025, a perimeter wall on Valley Road collapsed, blocking a section of the road and causing further delays.
Poor drainage systems
In response, the Nairobi County government has distanced itself from the recent flooding incidents, attributing the problems to outdated drainage systems and increased capacity demands.
“The problem with drainage is not blockage as much right now; it’s mainly a capacity issue. The rainfall we are experiencing is significantly higher than before, but of course, we need to expand the infrastructure,” Sakaja said on January 30, 2025.
More rain expected
In a recent weather advisory issued by the Kenya Meteorological Department on Thursday, January 30, 2025, heavy downpours are anticipated to affect several parts of Nairobi and surrounding satellite towns starting Friday, January 31, 2025.
According to the weatherman, rainfall is expected to begin at 9:00 AM, likely disrupting various activities.
Areas predicted to receive significant rainfall on Friday include Westlands, Kasarani, Kibra, Embakasi East, Lang’ata, Dagoretti South, Starehe, Mathare, Kamukunji, and Embakasi North.
Surrounding areas such as Thika Town, Gatundu, Limuru, Kabete, Lari, Kiambaa, Juja, and Ruiru are also expected to experience morning rainfall.
“Nairobi Metropolis Weather Update; 9 am Fri 31 Jan 2025 Expect moderate to heavy rainfall, with some areas likely to experience VERY HEAVY rainfall (>50mm) and isolated storms. Stay Prepared: Be weather-aware and ready for potential disruptions,” the weatherman warned.
