For the past four days, residents of Kamitha area in Kawangware, Dagoretti North Constituency, have faced a severe crisis after raw sewage flooded their homes amid ongoing short rains. More than 50 families are stranded and desperate for urgent assistance as their situation worsens.
The flooding, caused by continuous heavy rainfall, has submerged houses and household belongings, transforming the once-bustling neighborhood into a foul-smelling swamp of murky water and mud. Residents report this is the worst flooding they have ever experienced.
Mr. John Njenga, an affected resident, explained that the crisis started when a local landowner allegedly blocked the main drainage outlet and turned the land into a dumping site for truckloads of soil waste from nearby construction projects.
“We have raised complaints and even petitioned NEMA and the Nairobi County Government several times to stop the dumping, but no action has been taken,” Njenga lamented.
The blocked drainage, combined with overflowing sewer lines, has created a serious public health hazard. With no swift government intervention, residents have taken the dangerous and unhygienic task of clearing the drains themselves. Njenga shared, “Last week, a volunteer had to dive into a manhole filled with raw waste just to unclog it.”
Ms. Jane Wanjiru, another resident, expressed fear for children’s safety, as many are exposed to contaminated water and at risk of diseases such as cholera and typhoid. “We fear our children could fall sick because of the dirty water,” she said.
Residents are now urgently appealing to Gatina Ward MCA Hon. Swaka and Dagoretti North MP Hon. Beatrice Elachi to visit the area and help find a permanent solution.
Despite bordering the affluent Lavington Estate, Kamitha lacks basic infrastructure like proper sewer systems and drainage. Residents point out that this stark disparity highlights growing inequalities in service delivery across Nairobi neighborhoods.
