Flood in Nairobi, Kenya

Yesterday, Nairobi experienced heavy rain. This had, and continues to have, consequences. In some alleyways, people could swim—and that's no exaggeration. The problem is the sewage system. The sewage system is severely strained during heavy rains due to outdated infrastructure that is overwhelmed by heavy rainfall and population growth. The torrential rains exacerbated overflows, turning streets in areas such as the city center, informal settlements, and main roads into rivers of untreated sewage. The main problems can be summarized. Designed decades ago for fewer than 500,000 people, the system now serves nearly 5 million. This leads to undersized pipes, blockages caused by waste and debris, and the mixing of rainwater and sewage. Lack of maintenance, illegal dumping, encroachment on waterways, and structural damage worsen the overflows and pose a health risk, particularly in slums like Kibra and Mukuru.