Nairobi pays price of poor planning and bad drainage

Flash floods swept away a bridge across Mbagathi Way, blocking hundreds of motorists. (Photo: Edward Kiplimo)

After only two days of heavy rains, Nairobi was rendered a fatal ‘swamp’ that has so far claimed at least 14 lives, injured dozens and left a huge trail of destruction.

The flooding has exposed years of systemic neglect, shameful land grabbing, unplanned buildings and a pathetic drainage system.