A vehicle swept by floodwaters in the Grogan area of downtown Nairobi on Sunday, March 15, 2026. Heavy rains that pounded the city a day earlier triggered flash floods that overwhelmed roads and drainage systems, leaving parts of the city submerged and damaging businesses and motor vehicles. Along Grogan Road, a busy hub for second-hand vehicle parts near the Nairobi River, mechanics and traders continued salvaging usable parts after floodwaters swept through roadside garages, spare-parts shops and stalls. DENNIS ONSONGO | NATION
The Nairobi County Government now plans to relocate mechanics from the Grogan area and demolish structures built along riverbanks as part of efforts to address the impact of flooding, following weeks of heavy rains that have led to loss of life and widespread destruction of property.
While the government has promised alternative land in Ziwani for the affected businesses, a political fallout is already brewing.
The move is expected to face intense resistance, but the government is committed to its implementation as a way of averting future risks.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has, however, ruled out compensation for those who have built in flood-prone areas