Climate Change Impact :Flooding in Urban Roads.
I am Paul Otieno Adundo from Nairobi, Kenya, and I have observed a recurring challenge in the locality where I live whenever we experience heavy rainfall. During such periods, many roads become severely flooded and often remain impassable for hours or even days.
This situation disrupts movement, affects livelihoods, and poses safety risks to residents, especially pedestrians, school children, and small business owners.
Upon closer observation, I have come to realize that this problem is not caused by rainfall alone but is largely the result of human and systemic factors. One major contributor is the improper disposal of solid waste by residents, where plastics and other refuse are thrown into open drainages. Over time, this waste accumulates and blocks waterways, preventing rainwater from flowing freely and leading to overflow onto roads and residential areas.
In addition, there is a clear lack of adequate and well-designed drainage infrastructure in some parts of the area. Existing drainages are either too narrow, poorly constructed, or incomplete, making them incapable of handling heavy rains that are becoming more frequent due to climate change. Compounding this issue is the lack of early preparation and routine maintenance by the county government, particularly the failure to remove silt and debris from drainage systems before the rainy season begins.
This situation highlights the urgent need for climate change adaptation measures at the local level. These include improved waste management practices, public awareness on responsible waste disposal, investment in resilient drainage infrastructure, and proactive planning by county authorities. Addressing these issues would not only reduce flooding but also strengthen community resilience in the face of increasingly unpredictable climate patterns.