'It can kill us': Kenyans fear impact of El Niño with floods predicted

Similar work to unclog drainage systems is ongoing across Nairobi, a sprawling city built on hilly ground crossed by three major rivers.

But the workers have a huge task on their hands.

Blocked drains and inadequate sewage systems were widely blamed for the high number of deaths after the floods earlier in the year, as the excess rainfall had nowhere to escape.

The Nairobi County disaster management chief, Bramwell Simiyu tells the BBC that drainage systems have been "untouched for many years" and that removing the rubbish from them will save lives.

Floods disproportionately affect informal settlements in Nairobi, especially those near rivers, like Kibera and Mathare.