NAIROBI, Kenya — The government has announced seven measures to strengthen Kenya’s preparedness for the expected October-December (OND) El Niño rains, which are forecast to bring above-normal rainfall across most parts of the country.
The government warned that the rains could trigger flooding, drowning, injuries and deaths, displacement of communities, disease outbreaks, disruption of essential services and damage to roads and other critical infrastructure.
The heavy rains could also result in losses to crops, livestock and livelihoods.
Some counties, particularly in the Western/Nyanza and North Eastern regions, are expected to experience an early onset of the rainfall season.
In response, the government is implementing a National Contingency Plan developed jointly with national and county government agencies, humanitarian organisations, security agencies and other disaster management stakeholders.
1. Mapping flood and disaster hotspots
The government has mapped areas considered particularly vulnerable to flooding and other effects of heavy rainfall.
The mapping is being used to prioritise preparedness, evacuation and emergency response interventions.
Priority areas include riverine and low-lying zones, coastal areas, highland and landslide-prone locations, arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs), northern Kenya and urban areas vulnerable to flooding.
Authorities have also identified roads and transport infrastructure that could be affected across the North Eastern, Tana River, Coastal, Western/Nyanza, Rift Valley, Turkana, Nairobi, Central and Eastern regions.
The information will help agencies strengthen monitoring and undertake preventive interventions before the rains intensify.
2. Clearing drainage systems and water channels
Authorities are undertaking unclogging and desilting of drainage systems, culverts and other water channels to improve water flow and reduce the risk of urban flooding.
Choke points along drainage systems have been identified, with agencies including the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) working to clear affected sections.
Other agencies responsible for infrastructure and disaster preparedness are also clearing drainage systems and water channels in flood-prone areas.
The government is also strengthening solid waste and garbage management, including through Climate WorX, while ensuring workers involved in the operations have appropriate safety equipment.
3. Preparing evacuation and monitoring high-risk areas
The government said preparations for the evacuation of people living on riparian land and other high-risk areas are progressing.
Temporary holding grounds have been identified to accommodate people who may be displaced by flooding and other emergencies.
Authorities are also monitoring water levels in rivers and other water bodies, with particular attention being paid to areas around major dams and communities living along river banks.
The government is urging residents in vulnerable locations to follow evacuation advisories and move to safer areas whenever directed.
4. Inspecting critical infrastructure
Relevant agencies are inspecting bridges, roads and critical utilities in areas vulnerable to flooding.
The inspections are intended to identify weaknesses before the onset of severe weather and allow authorities to undertake preventive measures.
Roads and transport routes identified as potentially vulnerable have already been mapped across several regions.
The government says this will enable agencies to strengthen monitoring and improve emergency response planning in areas where infrastructure could be damaged or cut off.
5. Strengthening community early-warning systems
Community-level early-warning systems are also being strengthened through Chiefs, Assistant Chiefs and Nyumba Kumi structures.
The system is intended to ensure that timely information reaches communities, particularly those living in areas exposed to flooding, landslides and other hazards.
Public sensitisation campaigns on disaster preparedness, early-warning information and appropriate response measures are also being intensified.
The government is encouraging residents to remain alert and act on official warnings as weather conditions evolve.
6. Pre-positioning emergency supplies and response teams
Emergency relief supplies are being pre-positioned at strategic locations to facilitate rapid response in the event of flooding, displacement or other emergencies.
The supplies include food, non-food items and emergency medical supplies.
The government is also strengthening coordination between National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs), county governments, the Kenya Red Cross Society, the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA), security agencies, health workers and other disaster-management stakeholders.
Rapid response teams are on standby to undertake search and rescue operations, evacuations and post-disaster assessments when required.
First responders from various agencies have also been placed on readiness to respond to emergencies.
7. Enhancing national and county coordination
The government is using the National Disaster Operations Centre and county disaster-management teams to coordinate preparedness and response throughout the rainfall season.
The National Contingency Plan brings together national and county agencies, humanitarian partners, security agencies and other stakeholders to improve coordination and ensure that resources can be deployed quickly when emergencies occur.
The government said the objective is to ensure Kenya remains prepared, responsive and resilient throughout the expected rainy season.
Government warns preparedness does not eliminate risk
Despite the measures being implemented, the government cautioned that preparedness should not be interpreted as an absence of danger.
It warned that heavy rainfall can rapidly overwhelm drainage systems, rivers and critical infrastructure, particularly in areas already identified as vulnerable.
The potential consequences include flooding, displacement, destruction of livelihoods, infrastructure damage and loss of life.
Members of the public living along river banks, riparian reserves, low-lying areas, flash-flood zones, landslide-prone areas and other high-risk locations have been urged to take evacuation warnings seriously.
The government also called on wananchi to report blocked drainage systems, rising water levels, damaged infrastructure and other emerging hazards to relevant authorities.
Authorities said they will continue monitoring the evolving weather situation and issue timely advisories through official channels.
With the October-December rainfall season approaching, the government is urging communities to remain vigilant and take precautions while national and county agencies continue preparations for the anticipated El Niño rains.
