Gov't orders all sub-counties to set up emergency response centres as heavy rains persist

The directive comes amid warnings from the Kenya Meteorological Department that intense rains will persist in most parts of the country, raising the risk of flooding, swollen rivers and disruption of transport.

In a statement, Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku said the Ministry, through the State Department for Special Programmes, is coordinating disaster preparedness, response and recovery efforts during the ongoing weather emergency.

He said each sub-county must establish rapid response stations in every division to enhance coordination and provide immediate assistance to affected communities.

“The Ministry urges all Kenyans to remain vigilant and exercise caution, especially on the roads, for their safety and that of other road users. Members of the public are also advised to avoid crossing rivers that may have swollen or broken their banks,” Ruku said.

The Cabinet Secretary further directed all Deputy County Commissioners to closely monitor the situation and immediately report the number of households in their areas requiring assistance due to flooding.

According to the Meteorological Department, several counties are expected to receive heavier-than-usual rainfall. These include Nandi, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Siaya, Busia, Baringo, Nakuru, Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Kisii, Nyamira, Kericho, Bomet, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori and Narok.

Counties in the southeastern region such as Machakos, Kitui, Makueni, Kajiado and Taita Taveta are also likely to experience heavy showers, alongside coastal counties of Mombasa, Kilifi, Lamu, Kwale and Tana River.

In the northern parts of the country, Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa and Isiolo, as well as Turkana and Samburu, have also been flagged for intense rainfall.

Ruku noted that Nairobi City County has already been severely affected, with heavy downpours flooding roads and leaving some households stranded or without shelter.

To coordinate the national response, the Cabinet Secretary announced that an emergency meeting will be held on Saturday morning with key agencies including the State Department for Special Programmes, the State Department for Internal Security and National Administration, the National Police Service, the National Youth Service, the Kenya Red Cross and St. John Ambulance Kenya to discuss accelerated response measures.

The meeting will also involve the National Disaster Management Unit, the National Disaster Operations Centre and the National Drought Management Authority as authorities move to strengthen emergency response mechanisms across the country.