'Singa-pour' of Africa is doing the most: When it rains, Nairobi sinks

Heavy rainfall in Nairobi has caused disruption. Flooding has rendered many roads impassable, forcing pedestrians to wade through water. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

When it rains in Nairobi, it pours.

If you were unfortunate enough to be caught in Friday’s downpour, my sincerest condolences. Not for the rain itself, but for living in a city where a few minutes of showers can bring civilization to its knees.

In true Nairobi fashion, the roads flooded, traffic froze, and Governor Johnson Sakaja’s neatly cabro-fitted streets transformed into something between a swamp and a swimming pool. The drainage gave up, again.

Like clockwork, this soggy ritual repeats itself every time the heavens open. The Central Business District turns into the Central Boating District, and residents wade through water, frustration, and deja vu.

Yet, somehow,  this is supposed to be the “Singapore of Africa”, at least according to the catchy slogan that’s been on repeat for months from the powers that be. 

At the height of Friday’s chaos, Nairobi County Environment Chief Officer Geoffrey Mosiria attempted a classic Nairobi move: blame the citizens. He accused residents of “disposing of waste into drains,” leading to blockages, and of “illegal construction” along drainage lines.

Fair point. Nairobians do have their bad littering habits. But whose job is it to make sure the city is livable? Who unclogs the drains, installs proper bins, and ensures the lights stay on? Last I checked, that’s why we elect leaders. Not to issue poetic excuses after every deluge.

How is it then that residents complain about the same problems year after year, and still, nothing changes, except maybe the governor’s playlist?

Lawyer Willis Otieno summed it up neatly on X: “Every time it rains, Nairobi CBD turns into a swamp. Sakaja will do five years in office without unblocking even a drainage trench.”

Another user, Sanjana Ragu, opined: “Nairobi’s road network is bad. But when it rains, it’s Poseidon’s obstacle course. Disgusting that we pay taxes for the ‘maintenance’ of roads that barely exist.”

Even Singapore, the real one, occasionally floods. The difference is, they fix it. Nairobi, on the other hand, tweets about it.

What this city desperately needs is not another slogan or a concert, but proper urban planning, functional drainage, competent leadership, and maybe divine intervention. Because, honestly, we’ve suffered enough.

Rest of Africa, please excuse us while we navigate this latest test of endurance. Apparently, we were handpicked as God’s strongest soldiers this year.

The writer is the Editor, Radar Desk at The Standard Group.