Heavy rains expected in Western Kenya as El Niño conditions set in

Heavy rains are expected to begin pounding Western Kenya in September as El Niño conditions set in.

Environment Cabinet Secretary Deborah Mulongo says the rains are likely to be intense and could continue through February next year.

The Ministry is therefore urging people living on riparian land to move to safer areas, saying that the government is already working with village elders to identify and relocate those at risk.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health says it is launching a plan to mitigate the effects of El Niño in 18 high-risk counties while seeking support from partners to reduce the impact of the forecast heavy rains.

Speaking during a preparatory meeting for the Global Health Sector Stakeholders’ Conference in Nairobi, Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni said the El Niño threat requires collaboration with experts and partners to mitigate its negative effects.