DP Gachagua meets CS’, Governors over El Nino preparedness

The Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) on August 30 warned that heavy rains will be experienced from October extending into early 2024. 

In a statement, Gachagua stressed the importance of collaboration among various stakeholders, including local and international partners, to develop a comprehensive mitigation plan. 

“We are working around-the-clock to refine and consolidate the response plan to lessen its negative impact in regions expected to be hit hard by the heavy rainfall,” the DP said.

He expressed deep concern on the potential disruptions looming over key sectors such as education, agriculture, and infrastructure.

"Our children are preparing for national examinations while their parents are readying to harvest. The business community is crisscrossing the country in rebuilding the economy as the Government implements massive infrastructure projects for better service delivery to the people. All these and more other undertakings will be interrupted," he warned.

To address the looming risks, Gachagua urged counties to prioritize urgent cleaning and unclogging of drainage networks, particularly in urban areas. 

“We also recognize that the expansion of our towns, we have not matched drainage systems as required. As a matter of urgency, we request counties to prepare artificial waterways. This will reduce surface run-off and risk of flooding,” Gachagua remarked.

The second in command also laid out a plan for efficient sharing of information from early warning systems. 

He called upon Kenyans to actively report emergencies and sought the cooperation of the media in ensuring the timely dissemination of critical information for public safety.

"El Nino is beyond County Governments; El Nino is beyond the National Government; El Nino is beyond our Partners. That is why we must work together by leveraging our diverse capacities in technical and financial resources," he stated.

In addition to the immediate measures, Gachagua urged citizens to take precautions, including relocating from flood-prone areas and harvesting and storing produce early to minimize potential losses. 

“While we strive to build resilience structures, the rains are an opportunity to also grow more trees,” he added.

“Improving forest cover will reduce the negative impact of Climate Change by stabilising weather and countering events such as landslides and mudslides.”

In Nairobi, the County Government has identified 463 flood-prone areas in preparation for the El-Nino rains and plans to relocate 200,000 families to safer locations, prioritizing the preservation of lives. 

In Kiambu County, a contingency fund of Ksh.50 million has been set aside to address unforeseen challenges during the El Nino season.

According to projections by IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC), the country will get heavy rains like those recorded in El Nino of 1997 and 2006.