Mombasa Residents Warned Against Blocking Drainage as Flood Risks Rise

By Mbungu Harrison

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

The Mombasa County Government through its Disaster Management Unit has warned residents against dumping waste and blocking drainage systems during the ongoing rainy season.

According to the Director of the Disaster Management Department Ibrahim Basafar strict legal action will be taken against anyone found responsible for blocking drainage systems.

“We will not hesitate to take firm legal action against individuals who dump waste and block drainage systems because such actions put many lives at risk if flooding occurs,” he said.

At the same time, the Deputy County Commissioner for Nyali Constituency Timothy Tirop urged residents living in low-lying areas to move to safer places before the rains intensify.

“Residents living in flood-prone and low-lying areas should consider relocating to safer grounds early enough to avoid possible disasters when heavy rains begin,” he said.

The remarks were supported by Linda Indimuli, Project Officer at Dream Achievers Youth Organization Kenya (DAYO), who encouraged residents to take disaster warnings seriously.

“Community members should pay close attention to information and early warnings issued by disaster management authorities so that they can take timely action to protect their lives and property,” said Indimuli.

Areas such as Bangladesh in Jomvu, Kalahari in Changamwe, Utange and Junda in Kisauni, as well as Ziwa la Ng’ombe and Maweni, were identified as some of the locations most vulnerable to flooding in Mombasa.

The leaders spoke during a meeting that brought together the County Commissioner’s office, experts from the Kenya Meteorological Department, officials from the Mombasa County Government, and representatives from civil society organizations to strengthen disaster preparedness and response coordination.

During the session, participants reviewed the working group’s Terms of Reference, discussed priority disaster risks facing the county, and identified practical steps to improve preparedness and coordination in responding to emergencies.

The engagement forms part of the DARAJA Project, an initiative aimed at improving access to understanding of and use of weather and climate information to support effective early warning and early action across Mombasa County.