Govt unveils measures to prepare for El Niño rains

The government has unveiled a series of measures to strengthen the country’s preparedness for the expected October-December (OND) El Niño rains.

The Ministry of Interior and National Administration said on Tuesday that the rainfall season is expected to bring above-normal rainfall across most parts of the country.

The government warned that the heavy rains could result in flooding, drowning, injuries and deaths, displacement and isolation of communities, disease outbreaks and disruption of essential services.

Other anticipated impacts include damage to roads and critical infrastructure, as well as losses to crops, livestock and livelihoods.

The ministry said some counties, particularly in the Western/Nyanza and North Eastern regions, are expected to experience an early onset of the rainfall season.

To prepare for the anticipated rains, the government is implementing a National Contingency Plan aimed at strengthening preparedness and response while reducing the potential impact of disasters.

The plan was developed in collaboration with national and county government agencies, humanitarian organisations, security agencies and other disaster management stakeholders.

It focuses on improving early warning systems and strengthening the capacity of agencies to respond to emergencies.

“With some counties, particularly in the Western/Nyanza and North Eastern regions, expected to experience an early onset of the rainfall season, the government is implementing a National Contingency Plan to strengthen preparedness and response and minimise the potential impacts of the rains,” the ministry said.

As part of the preparedness measures, the government has mapped areas considered particularly vulnerable to flooding and other impacts of heavy rainfall.

The mapping is being used to prioritise preparedness, evacuation and emergency response measures.

The priority areas include riverine and low-lying areas, coastal regions, highland areas prone to landslides, arid and semi-arid lands and northern Kenya.

Urban areas that are vulnerable to flooding have also been identified.

The government has also mapped roads and transport infrastructure that could be affected by heavy rains in the North Eastern, Tana River, Coastal, Western/Nyanza, Rift Valley, Turkana, Nairobi, Central and Eastern regions.

The ministry said the exercise would allow relevant agencies to strengthen monitoring and undertake preventive measures before the rains intensify.

The government is also clearing and desilting drainage systems, culverts and other water channels to improve water flow and reduce the risk of flooding, particularly in urban areas.

Choke points along drainage systems have been identified, with agencies including the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) working to clear blocked sections.

Other agencies responsible for infrastructure and disaster preparedness are also clearing drainage systems and water channels in areas considered vulnerable to flooding.

The government is also strengthening solid waste and garbage management through initiatives including Climate WorX.

The ministry said workers involved in the operations would be provided with the necessary equipment to safely undertake their duties.

The government said preparations to evacuate people living on riparian land and other high-risk areas are also underway.

Temporary holding grounds have been identified to accommodate people who may be displaced by floods and other emergencies.

Water levels in rivers and other water bodies are being monitored, with particular attention being paid to areas around major dams and communities living along river banks.

“Relevant agencies are inspecting bridges, roads, and critical utilities in flood-prone areas to identify vulnerabilities and undertake preventive interventions,” the ministry said.

The government is also strengthening community-level early warning systems through Chiefs, Assistant Chiefs and Nyumba Kumi structures.

The system is intended to ensure that information reaches residents in high-risk areas in good time.

Public sensitisation campaigns on disaster preparedness, early warning information and appropriate response measures are also being intensified.

The government wants communities to understand the risks associated with heavy rainfall and know what action to take before, during and after emergencies.

Emergency relief supplies are also being pre-positioned in strategic locations across the country.

The supplies include food, non-food items and emergency medical supplies that can be distributed quickly in the event of flooding, displacement or other emergencies.

The ministry said coordination among 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 had also been strengthened.

The aim is to ensure a coordinated and timely response to emergencies.

Rapid response teams have been placed on standby to deal with emergencies that may arise during the rainy season.

The teams are being strengthened to undertake search and rescue operations, evacuations and post-disaster assessments.

First responders from various government agencies are also ready to intervene whenever required.

The government, however, warned that preparedness measures do not eliminate the risks associated with heavy rainfall.

“Heavy rainfall can rapidly overwhelm our drainage systems, rivers and critical infrastructure, particularly in areas already identified as vulnerable,” the ministry said.

The government has urged people living in high-risk areas to remain alert and follow evacuation advisories issued by authorities.

Those living along river banks, riparian reserves, low-lying areas and locations prone to flash floods and landslides have been advised to move to safer areas whenever directed to do so.

“We urge those living along river banks, riparian reserves, low-lying areas, areas prone to flash floods and landslides, and other identified high-risk locations to heed evacuation advisories and move to safer ground when directed to do so,” the ministry said.