As the rains continue to wreak havoc in Nairobi and its surrounding areas, causing flooding, destruction and loss of life, a number of offices are now asking employees to either work from home, or leave the offices early to avoid getting caught in the melee.
A number of employers are taking important mitigating measures to ensure safety of their employees, while ensuring maximum productivity.
The ongoing rains have left a trail of destruction to property and even loss of life in the city.
Some of the affected areas in Nairobi include Kibra, Mathare, Baba Dogo, Githurai, Zimmerman, select areas around Westlands, Kasarani, Roysambu, Kamukunji, Embakasi, Kamukunji, Makadara.
According to Nairobi governor Johnson Sakaja, a Multi-Agency Disaster Management team had mapped out adversely affected areas in the capital.
The rains have flooded a number of roads in the capital – leading to traffic snarl ups lasting several hours.
A number of residents of Nairobi who have to commute to work and back have had a torrid moment, with some spending hours in traffic.
Meanwhile, the Kenya Meteorological Department has said the rains will continue over the next days.
“Flooding is expected in low-lying areas, in flood plains as well as in urban areas with poor drainage,” Director of Meteorological Services David Gikungu said recently.
Landslides, he added, may also occur on steep slopes where soils become saturated.
Gikungu also advised road users to be extra cautious noting visibility is likely to reduce during heavy rainfall events.
The rainfall have been accompanied by thunder, strong winds and lightning.
“The public is advised to avoid sheltering under trees and metallic structures to minimise exposure to lightning strikes. There is a need to be cautious since the forecasted strong winds may damage roofs, trees, and towering objects such as billboards,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education on Monday was forced to postpone the reopening of schools to a later date due to the rains.
