NAIROBI
Residents of Nairobi and other flood-prone areas are being urged to move to safer ground as weather forecasts continue to warn of dangerous rainfall and possible flooding in the coming days.
Recent heavy rains have already triggered deadly floods across parts of the country.
Dozens of people have lost their lives and tens of thousands have been displaced after homes were swept away or submerged.
Nairobi has recorded some of the worst incidents, with floodwaters overrunning roads, estates and informal settlements.
This must be said clearly: government cannot guarantee your life.
In most disasters, the role of government is limited to issuing warnings, coordinating rescue operations and offering relief after tragedy strikes.
It cannot stand beside every riverbank, every drainage channel or every collapsing building.
By the time emergency teams arrive, lives have often already been lost.
The floods currently threatening many neighborhoods are not caused by rain alone.
They are also the result of years of poor planning, corruption and reckless development.
Across Nairobi, developers have built houses and apartments on wetlands, riverbanks and natural drainage corridors.
In many cases, approvals were granted despite clear environmental risks.
Money has often spoken louder than safety.
Drainage systems are blocked, rivers have been narrowed by construction and open spaces meant to absorb water have been turned into buildings.
When heavy rain comes, the city has nowhere for the water to go.
The result is predictable: streets become rivers, homes turn into traps and lives are lost.
Residents living in low-lying areas, near rivers, or in estates known to flood should not wait until the water reaches their doors.
Move early while evacuation is still possible.
Secure important documents, protect property where possible and move families to safer areas or higher ground.
Waiting for politicians to respond after disaster strikes is a dangerous gamble.
Around the world, governments that take disaster risk seriously invest heavily in prevention.
Countries like Rwanda strictly protect wetlands from construction, South Africa has strengthened urban planning laws in flood-risk zones, while Japan and the Netherlands have built sophisticated flood control systems and evacuation planning to protect their citizens.
Safety is planned before the storm arrives.
Until Kenya reaches that level of preparedness, citizens must take personal responsibility for their safety while demanding accountability from leaders responsible for planning and infrastructure.
Protect your life first.
Property can be replaced.
Lives cannot.
If you live in a flood-prone area, move now while roads are still passable and conditions are still manageable.
Stay alert. Stay safe.
