NAIROBI, Kenya – Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has urged Kenyans to comply with safety directives as the country prepares for forecast El Niño rains between October and December.
Kindiki said the Government had activated measures to minimise loss of life and destruction of property, urging residents not to ignore warnings issued by security and disaster management agencies.
“Where evacuation orders are issued, they must be complied with. For instance, instructions restricting movement in flooded areas and rivers must be observed to avoid loss of life as has happened in the past,” Kindiki said.
He spoke during a meeting with senior government officials and heads of departments and agencies involved in preparations for the rainy season at his official residence in Karen, Nairobi.
Kindiki: Follow evacuation orders
The Deputy President described the expected weather conditions as a national security concern, saying security agencies and national government administrators had been directed to enforce safety instructions.
“We have instructed security agencies and administrators, including village elders, to strictly enforce all instructions issued by security and disaster agencies to save lives and prevent destruction of property,” he said.
Kindiki particularly warned residents against crossing or moving through flooded areas and rivers when authorities have issued restrictions.
Government activates multi-agency response
Kindiki said the national administration was working with county governments, development partners and humanitarian agencies to coordinate preparations and emergency response.
The Government has also been directing counties to map flood-prone areas, identify evacuation grounds and strengthen early-warning systems ahead of the rains.
Nairobi, Mombasa among areas receiving attention
Kindiki said urban areas including Nairobi and Mombasa had received particular attention because of their vulnerability to flash flooding and other effects of heavy rainfall.
He also identified Busia and parts of the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) among areas likely to experience significant impacts.
“ We have taken cognizance of the unique situation in Nairobi, whose urban dynamics demand greater attention to minimize adverse impacts,” he said.
Mombasa has separately intensified drainage and flood-preparedness measures, with the county identified among areas at elevated risk during the October–December rainfall season.
Landslide and mudslide zones mapped
The Deputy President said areas vulnerable to landslides and mudslides had also been mapped for targeted intervention.
The Government’s preparations are aimed at ensuring emergency teams can respond quickly when heavy rainfall causes flooding, landslides, infrastructure damage or disruption of transport and other services.
Kenya’s meteorological outlook indicates above-average rainfall across much of the country during the October–December 2026 season, with prolonged wet spells and episodes of heavy rainfall possible.
Government urges early action
Kindiki’s warning comes as national and county authorities intensify preparations for the expected rains.
The Government has been working on drainage, flood-risk mapping, evacuation planning and early-warning communication, while the Ministry of Health has also activated preparedness measures because flooding can increase risks associated with contaminated water and mosquito-borne diseases.
Kindiki said compliance with official warnings would be critical to reducing the risks posed by the weather, particularly in communities living near rivers, flood-prone roads, steep slopes and other vulnerable areas.
