Respond quickly to perennial flooding

The derision that accompanied images of the flooded Thika Superhighway are understandable.

A huge section of the highway leading traffic in and out of the capital city was unmotorable on Thursday evening after a heavy downpour.

Although inclement weather can put a toll on infrastructure, commentators are convinced that this highway should have been able to handle the aftermath of fairly normal rains.

After all, some Sh31 billion of taxpayers’ money was used to construct the 50-kilometres stretch, and therefore the drainage network should be of the highest quality.

Recent events of flooding suggest that the national and county governments must improve maintenance of the highway as well as other roads in the Kenyan capital.

Nairobi, as the seat of government and a regional business hub, should have smooth flowing vehicular traffic, even when it rains.

Rain can be a natural hazard, and so every effort must be made to contain calamities when they arise.

Emergency procedures should include evacuating those who are marooned by flash floods besides unclogging drains.

The flow of traffic is critical for commerce, and if people and goods cannot move due to floods, economic activity stagnates.

Every effort must be made to mitigate against the effects of flooding. Over to you Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero!