Ndakaini Dam Nears Capacity: Kiambu County Braces for Potential Spillover Amid Heavy Rainfall

Kiambu, Kenya – As heavy rains persist in the central region of Kenya, the Ndakaini Dam, a critical water reservoir for the area, is on the verge of spilling over, with the water level reaching 98 percent of its full capacity.

According to Kenya News Agency, the director, Magdalene Gateri, provided details about the rainfall expected to continue in Kiambu County. The weekly forecast from November 7 to 13, 2023, suggests substantial rainfall ranging from 50mm to more than 120mm across various sub-counties, with the highest expected accumulations in Gatundu North/South and areas including Ruiru, Juja, Thika, and Kabete Limuru East.

Despite the anticipation of reduced rainfall intensity from Thursday, residents are urged to enhance rainwater harvesting and take precautions due to the adverse weather conditions that could lead to poor visibility and slippery roads.

David Kuria, Kiambu’s CEC Environment and Water, noted the onset of flooding and associated challenges in the county. In response to the impending heavy rains, the CEC has been proactive in clearing and unclogging drainage systems to mitigate flood risks.

Furthermore, the Kenya Meteorological Department has forecasted that not just Kiambu but also Nairobi, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Meru, Embu, and Tharaka counties will experience morning rains, with afternoon and evening showers likely throughout November.

The department has also issued warnings about potential destruction from the rains, such as lightning strikes and advised Gatundu South residents to be vigilant following recent weather-induced havoc.

In Murang’a, concerns are escalating about potential landslides and flooding. The county’s director of meteorological services, Stanley Kinyua, reported instances of mild mudslides in the higher zones and indicated that parts of the county are receiving over 30 millimeters of rain daily, which increases the risk of landslides in steep areas.

Kinyua also mentioned the critical state of Ndakaini Dam, situated in Gatanga Sub County. With the dam nearing spillover, there is a heightened risk of floods in downstream areas along the Thika River, including Ithanga, Kakuzi, and Ngelelyia, and potentially affecting regions in Machakos County.

Residents and authorities are on high alert as the region braces for the possibility of floods and their subsequent impact on communities.