MANDERA, Kenya – Mandera County is stepping up flood preparedness ahead of expected heavy rains, with the Municipality clearing waterways, improving drainage and strengthening vulnerable riverbanks to reduce the risk of flash flooding.
The interventions are targeting areas that have previously experienced flooding and erosion, with authorities seeking to ensure the town’s drainage system can cope with increased stormwater.
Municipality clears drainage, strengthens riverbanks
Mandera Municipal Manager Motker Mohamed Noor said the Municipality had prioritised early interventions in flood-prone areas, including clearing and desilting culverts and improving existing drainage infrastructure.
“The Municipality has undertaken protection works along the two main existing riparian areas. We have also undertaken stepped gabion protection works along Busle streams,” Noor said.
The gabion structures are designed to control stream-bank erosion and protect neighbouring properties along the Busle streams.
Routine maintenance is also underway, including cleaning and unclogging culverts within Mandera Central Business District.
The Municipality is planning additional works to repair and maintain culverts and open side drains in areas where drainage capacity remains limited.
Three areas identified as flood hotspots
The Municipality has identified Bulla Barwaqo, Bulla Township and Bulla Green among the areas most vulnerable to flash flooding.
Bulla Barwaqo is exposed to floodwater originating from across the border in Somalia, while Bulla Township can receive runoff from Bulla Hawa.
Bulla Green is similarly vulnerable to water flowing from Qarba Qoley.
To improve flood resilience in Bulla Barwaqo, the Municipality has constructed a 650-metre trapezoidal drainage channel to improve stormwater flow and reduce flooding.
Roads to be prioritised ahead of rains
Roads serving critical public facilities and services have also been prioritised as part of the preparedness programme.
These include roads serving markets, hospitals, schools and mosques, with plans to upgrade some roads to gravel standard to improve access during the rainy season.
The measures are intended to help maintain access to essential services if heavy rainfall causes flooding in parts of the town.
Residents warned against blocking waterways
The county is also encouraging residents to take early measures to protect their homes without interfering with natural drainage channels.
Residents have been cautioned against constructing makeshift barriers that could block waterways and redirect floodwater into neighbouring compounds.
Noor said some residents had been using murram to build barriers around their compounds, warning that such structures could obstruct natural water channels.
Residents planning to construct dykes, terraces, embankments or other flood-protection structures have been advised to first seek technical guidance from the Municipality.
The aim is to ensure household flood-control measures do not worsen flooding elsewhere.
Public urged to avoid flood-prone areas
Residents have also been urged to avoid low-lying and flood-prone areas during heavy rainfall.
Authorities have warned the public against attempting to cross fast-moving floodwater, either on foot or in vehicles.
Households have been encouraged to prepare before the rains by inspecting and repairing roofs and making arrangements to protect children, older persons and persons with disabilities.
Mandera prepares for extreme weather
The preparedness drive comes as Mandera continues to experience increasingly variable weather conditions.
Although the county is predominantly arid and semi-arid and has historically faced prolonged drought and water scarcity, intense rainfall can generate rapid runoff and flash floods, particularly in areas where drainage capacity is limited.
Previous flooding episodes have highlighted the vulnerability of settlements located near natural drainage channels and riparian areas.
The current interventions mark a shift towards prevention and early action, with authorities working to address drainage bottlenecks, reinforce vulnerable areas and prepare residents before heavy rains arrive.
