Chinese firm boosting Nairobi River project

George Nyakundi, a bus driver in Kenya's capital Nairobi, spent almost 10 years living along the banks of the Nairobi River in Kamukunji slum — until devastating floods in April last year forced him to abandon his home.

Despite repeated warnings from government officials about the dangers of settling near the river, Nyakundi said many residents chose to stay because of the low rent.

"We all knew that living in the area was not safe because of persistent insecurity, poor sanitation and lack of basic infrastructure, but none of us expected the floods that came," Nyakundi said.