Why Kenya must prioritise anticipatory measures as defense against climate disasters

Public members join police officers in searching for survivors after a dam burst in Old Kijabe, Mai Mahiu. [Antony Gitonga, Standard]

New details from the Water Resources Management Authority (Warma) reveal that the devastating floods in Mai Mahiu, which swept away nearly 100 homes and tragically killed over 50 people, originated from a water-filled gulley in Kiambu.

This was caused by a blocked railway drainage system, leading to a catastrophic build-up of water before its wall burst. Heavy rains in the region and the surrounding Kinale area worsened the situation. The destructive force of the water also swept away a portion of the Nairobi-Nakuru railway line.