Nairobi Residents Demand Answers as County Delays Promised Westlands Drainage Project

Frustration is mounting in the Westlands constituency as residents along Forest Road and adjoining areas await clarity on a long-promised drainage and sewerage upgrade that was scheduled to commence in the second quarter of 2026.

The Nairobi County Government had pledged Sh2.8 billion for the comprehensive infrastructure project, which aims to address chronic flooding during the rainy season that has plagued the neighbourhood for over a decade. The work was intended to service approximately 8,000 households and over 200 commercial establishments in the zone.

"We were promised work would start by June. It's now the end of the month and we haven't seen a single surveyor on the ground," said one resident from the Milimani area, who requested anonymity. "Last year's rains left my shop flooded for three weeks. I lost merchandise worth over Sh150,000."

The delays have reignited concerns about the county's capacity to deliver on infrastructure commitments. A 2025 audit by the Institute for Public Affairs Kenya noted that Nairobi County completed only 62 percent of budgeted capital projects, with drainage and water systems consistently underperforming.

Local business owners say the uncertainty is affecting investment decisions. "Entrepreneurs are hesitant to expand here because of the flooding risk," explained James Kariuki, chairman of the Westlands Commercial Association. "The county needs to communicate timelines clearly—even if it means pushing the project to next quarter. Silence breeds mistrust."

The County Department of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation acknowledged the delay in a statement to The Daily Nairobi, citing procurement processes and land acquisition challenges. Officials indicated that revised timelines would be announced by mid-July.

However, residents say repeated delays have eroded confidence. "This is our money—taxpayer money," noted another Forest Road resident. "We deserve transparency about what's happening and when we can expect results."

The broader issue reflects persistent challenges with Nairobi's water and sanitation infrastructure. The city generates over Sh50 billion in annual revenue, yet drainage remains a critical pressure point affecting quality of life across multiple estates from Mathare to South B.

As the short rains approach in October, pressure is mounting on County Governor Johnson Sakaja's administration to demonstrate delivery. Public Works officials are scheduled to meet with community representatives on July 8th to discuss revised implementation plans.

For now, Westlands residents remain in a holding pattern, hopeful but wary.

This article was compiled by AI from the sources linked above and screened before publishing. See our editorial standards.