NAIROBI, Kenya- The government has announced seven measures to strengthen Kenya’s preparedness ahead of the October–December 2026 rainfall season, with above-normal rainfall expected across most parts of the country.
The Ministry of Interior and National Administration said the anticipated rains could trigger flooding, drowning, injuries and fatalities, displacement of communities, disease outbreaks and disruption of essential services.
The rains could also damage roads and other critical infrastructure while causing losses to crops, livestock and livelihoods.
Some counties, particularly in Western, Nyanza and North Eastern Kenya, are expected to experience an earlier onset of the rainfall season.
The government said it is implementing a National Contingency Plan developed jointly with national and county governments, humanitarian organisations, security agencies and other disaster-management stakeholders.
Flood hotspots mapped
As the first measure, authorities have mapped areas considered particularly vulnerable to flooding and other impacts of heavy rainfall.
The mapping covers riverine and low-lying areas, coastal regions, highlands and landslide-prone zones, arid and semi-arid areas, northern Kenya and urban centres vulnerable to flooding.
Authorities have also identified roads and transport infrastructure likely to be affected across North Eastern, Tana River, Coastal, Western/Nyanza, Rift Valley, Turkana, Nairobi, Central and Eastern regions.
The government said the information will guide evacuation planning, monitoring and preventive interventions.
Drainage systems being cleared
The second measure involves unclogging and desilting drainage systems, culverts and water channels to improve water flow and reduce the risk of flooding, particularly in urban areas.
The Kenya Urban Roads Authority and other agencies are working to clear identified drainage choke points, while solid waste management is also being strengthened.
The government said Climate WorX is among the initiatives involved in improving waste management and drainage preparedness.
Evacuation plans prepared
The third measure focuses on communities living along riverbanks, riparian land and other high-risk areas.
Authorities are conducting public awareness campaigns on evacuation and have identified temporary holding grounds for people who could be displaced by floods or other emergencies.
Water levels in rivers and other water bodies are also being monitored, with particular attention being given to areas around major dams and communities living along riverbanks.
Roads and bridges inspected
Under the fourth measure, relevant government agencies are inspecting bridges, roads and critical utilities in flood-prone areas.
The inspections are intended to identify vulnerabilities early and allow authorities to undertake preventive interventions before heavy rains intensify.
The government has warned that heavy rainfall could rapidly overwhelm drainage systems, rivers and infrastructure in already vulnerable areas.
Community warning systems strengthened
The fifth measure involves strengthening early-warning systems at community level.
Chiefs, Assistant Chiefs and Nyumba Kumi structures will be used to relay information to residents, particularly those living in high-risk areas.
The government is also intensifying public sensitisation on disaster preparedness and the appropriate actions to take before, during and after heavy rainfall.
The Kenya Meteorological Department has separately forecast enhanced rainfall across much of Kenya during the October–December season, with above-average rainfall expected over about 80 per cent of the country.
Emergency supplies pre-positioned
The sixth measure involves positioning emergency supplies at strategic locations before the rains intensify.
These include food, non-food items and emergency medical supplies that can be quickly deployed in the event of displacement or other emergencies.
The government is also strengthening coordination between National Government Administration Officers, county governments, the Kenya Red Cross Society, the National Drought Management Authority, security agencies, health workers and other disaster-management stakeholders.
Rescue teams placed on standby
The seventh measure is the strengthening of rapid response teams.
The teams will undertake search and rescue operations, evacuations and post-disaster assessments whenever required, with first responders from various agencies placed on standby.
The National Disaster Operations Centre and county disaster-management teams will coordinate the national response throughout the rainfall season.
Government warns risk remains
Despite the measures, the Ministry cautioned that preparedness does not eliminate the risks associated with heavy rainfall.
“Preparedness should not be mistaken for an absence of risk,” the Ministry said, warning that flooding, displacement, damage to infrastructure, loss of livelihoods and fatalities remain possible.
The government has urged people living along riverbanks, riparian reserves, low-lying areas and locations prone to flash floods and landslides to follow official evacuation advisories and move to safer ground when directed.
Kenyans have also been asked to report blocked drainage systems, rising water levels, damaged infrastructure and other emerging hazards to relevant authorities.
The government said it will continue monitoring the weather situation and issuing advisories through official channels.
