Nairobi Flooding Crisis: Parklands Residents Face the Wrath of Developers' Greed

Flooding in Nairobi's Parklands Suburb: A County Official's Response Heavy rains have caused significant flooding in Nairobi's Parklands area, leading to widespread disruption and resident complaints. Geoffrey Mosiria, Chief Officer of Environment for Nairobi City County, visited the affected area on May 13, 2025, to assess the situation and address concerns. The flooding, according to Mosiria, is primarily due to the construction of houses directly over the Kibagare River's natural course. Developers have narrowed the river's path, reducing its capacity to handle excess rainwater. "Some of the complaints we receive about flooding especially in Parklands stem from some developers who have built directly over the natural river course," Mosiria explained in a video statement. He pointed to several houses built directly over the river, causing the water to back up and flood homes and roads. The resulting debris and flooding made several roads impassable. The county government has pledged to find a permanent solution. This includes restoring the natural waterways, improving drainage infrastructure, and taking firm action against developers who have not complied with environmental regulations. The effort aims to balance urban development with environmental protection and prevent future flooding incidents. The county plans to work with the Water Resources Authority to identify structures for demolition and to restore the flow of the Kibagare River.