"No Compensation!" Sakaja rules out payouts for motorists hit by Nairobi flash floods

Johnson Sakaja addressed the recent flash floods in the city. Photo: Johnson Sakaja.

Nairobi City County Governor, Johnson Sakaja, has ruled out the possibility of compensation from his county government for motorists who suffered losses due to the floods.

Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV on March 3, the county boss averted blame for the havoc wreaked by flash floods on March 6, which left vehicle owners stranded and, in extreme cases, their vehicles swept away.

According to Sakaja, the floods occurred on roads that do not fall under the jurisdiction of the county government.

He listed roads such as Jogoo Road, Thika Super Highway, Uhuru Highway, and the Nairobi Expressway, noting that they fall under the national government’s jurisdiction.

"If your car got messed up on the expressway, why would the county compensate you? It is not the county's road. I will not take responsibility for something that is not in my purview," Sakaja said.

He defended his stance, noting that his government does not have the budget to help resolve infrastructure issues in areas that do not fall under his authority.

However, Sakaja showed remorse, explaining that, being in a position of power, he has been in communication with relevant authorities to find ways to intervene, though no plans for compensation have been publicly announced as of this publication.

The flash floods that rocked the city came just a day after the Kenya Meteorological Department warned about increased rainfall.

The department has warned that the rainfall could continue until March 15.