Govt unveils measures as Kenya braces for El Niño rains

The government has unveiled a contingency plan to strengthen Kenya’s preparedness for the expected October-November-December (OND) El Niño rains, warning that heavy rainfall could trigger flooding, displacement, disease outbreaks, infrastructure damage and loss of livelihoods.

The plan targets areas considered particularly vulnerable to heavy rainfall, including riverine and low-lying areas, coastal regions, highland and landslide-prone areas, arid and semi-arid lands, northern Kenya and urban centres prone to flooding.

“The anticipated impacts include flooding, drowning, injuries and fatalities, displacement and isolation of communities, disease outbreaks, disruption of essential services, damage to roads and other critical infrastructure, and losses to crops, livestock and livelihoods,” read a statement from the Ministry of Interior.

Authorities have already undertaken hotspot mapping to identify areas at greatest risk and guide preparedness, evacuation and response interventions.

Roads and transport infrastructure likely to be affected have also been identified across the North Eastern, Tana River, Coastal, Western/Nyanza, Rift Valley, Turkana, Nairobi, Central and Eastern regions.

According to the ministry, the government is also moving to reduce the risk of urban flooding by unclogging and desilting drainage systems, culverts and other water channels.

“Choke points along drainage systems have been identified, with relevant agencies, including the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), working to clear and unblock affected sections,” said the Interior Ministry.

The government notes that preparations are also underway to facilitate the evacuation of people living on riparian land and other high-risk areas, with temporary holding grounds identified for populations that may be displaced by flooding and other emergencies.

The government is also monitoring water levels in rivers and other water bodies with particular attention to areas around major dams and communities living along river banks.

At the community level, early warning systems are being strengthened through Chiefs, Assistant Chiefs and Nyumba Kumi structures to ensure residents in high-risk areas receive timely information. Public sensitisation on disaster preparedness, early warning information and appropriate response measures is also being intensified.

“Emergency relief supplies, including food, non-food items and medical supplies, are being pre-positioned at strategic locations to facilitate a rapid response in case of displacement or other emergencies. Rapid response teams have further been placed on standby to undertake search and rescue operations, evacuations and post-disaster assessments,” said the ministry.

However, the government has cautioned that the measures do not eliminate the risks posed by the expected rains, particularly in areas already identified as vulnerable.

The government has urged residents living along river banks, riparian reserves, low-lying areas and locations prone to flash floods and landslides to remain vigilant and heed evacuation advisories when directed.