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Nairobi County waives repair levies after flood destruction

Nairobi County waives repair levies after flood destruction
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja during a past event. PHOTO/https://www.facebook.com/sakaja

The Nairobi City County Government has announced a 30-day waiver on repair levies for residents and businesses affected by the recent flooding that has caused widespread destruction across the city.

In a public notice issued on Wednesday, the county said the temporary measure is meant to fast-track restoration works on homes, businesses, and public facilities damaged by the heavy rains and flooding.

Acting County Secretary and Head of Public Service Godfrey Akumali said the decision, issued under the authority of the governor’s office, seeks to reduce the burden faced by those affected while ensuring urgent repairs can begin immediately.

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja during a past function. PHOTO/https://web.facebook.com/sakaja
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja during a past function. PHOTO/https://web.facebook.com/sakaja

This comes days after Sakaja explained why he had remained out of the public spotlight as rescue teams responded to deadly flooding in several parts of the city.

“The waiver is intended to expedite the restoration of homes, businesses and public facilities affected by flood damage, safeguard the health and safety of residents, and support community resilience during this challenging period,” the notice, seen by People Daily Digital, read.

This directive suspends all standard levies and approval requirements for one month, enabling property owners to execute urgent structural repairs without bureaucratic delay.

The county has urged residents to take advantage of the waiver period to restore damaged structures while assuring that technical guidance and oversight will still be provided to ensure repairs meet safety standards.

Sakaja said that the waiver will remain in effect for 30 days from March 11, 2026, after which normal regulatory requirements will resume.

Deadly floods

In a press release on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, the National Police Service (NPS) confirmed the number of deaths following the recent deadly floods witnessed in various parts of the country, including Nairobi city.

Floodwater wreaking havoc in Uhuru Market in Nairobi.PHOTO/https://www.facebook.com/RedCrossKE
Floodwater wreaking havoc in Uhuru Market in Nairobi.PHOTO/https://www.facebook.com/RedCrossKE

The police announced that the fatalities stand at forty-nine, with 2,624 families having been displaced from their homes.

“The National Police Service (NPS) wishes to provide an update to the public following the heavy rains and flooding affecting various parts of the country, particularly in Nairobi,” NPS said.

The new statement indicateed that the forty-nine people who succumbed to the floods are from various parts of the country affected by the deadly floods.

Ksh 60 billion Infrastructure needs

Appearing in an interview on Sunday evening, March 8, 2026, nearly 48 hours after floods, the city boss said the county requires billions of shillings to permanently fix the capital’s drainage system and curb the recurring flood menace.

Kenya Red Cross officials responding to a distress call after heavy rainfall experienced in May 2024. PHOTO/@Krcs_NRbBranch/X
Kenya Red Cross officials responding to a distress call after heavy rainfall experienced.PHOTO/@KenyaRedCross/X

According to Sakaja, Nairobi requires at least Ksh60 billion annually to properly address infrastructure needs, maintain public services and respond to emergencies such as the ongoing floods.

“I am not overwhelmed, I am under-resourced. Nairobi needs at least Ksh60 billion every year to address the challenges and development needs in a better way,” Sakaja said.

Author

Emmanuel Rono

Rono is a dynamic digital journalist with a proven track record in newsroom leadership and content creation. Currently a Digital Writer for People Daily Digital, Emmanuel’s career is rooted in a lifelong passion for storytelling.

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