El Niño: Kenyan counties prepare for the heavy rains

The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a warning about heavy rains expected this year from September to January 2024.

In response to this forecast, counties are taking proactive measures to ensure disaster preparedness, given the previous year's devastation caused by El Nio rains.

Some of the regions expected to be significantly affected by El Niño include Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, Baringo, Uasin Gishu, West Pokot, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi, Kericho, Bungoma, Kakamega, Busia, Trans Nzoia, West Pokot, Vihiga, Laikipia (Laikipia West), Nakuru, and Narok.

The Cabinet Secretary for Lands, Public Works, Housing, and Urban Development, Mr. Zachariah Mwangi Njeru, emphasized the importance of investing in disaster preparedness to mitigate impacts, save resources, and protect development progress.

Kenya has a National Disaster Management Policy that was enacted in 2009 and can be adapted and tailored to meet the specific needs of each county, thereby helping to save lives.

On his part, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, during the recent launch of Nairobi’s disaster preparedness plan, gave a comprehensive crisis blueprint plan, which includes timely unclogging of drainage systems and a thorough review of enforcement plans to ensure that building standards are adhered to by all contractors.

He encouraged contractors and developers to avoid shortcuts, such as using substandard building materials that may endanger lives, and called for professionalism in their work.

Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir has assured residents that blocked sewer lines and drainage are being addressed, and evacuation plans for those likely to be affected by floods are in the works. Low-lying areas and informal settlements, such as slums, are receiving special attention.

In Murang'a County, residents in landslide-prone areas have been urged to remain vigilant for any signs of danger.

Edwin Mugo, MP for Mathioya, is actively seeking funding to assist disaster victims and has committed to using Constituency Development Fund (CDF) resources to deploy gabions in vulnerable areas to mitigate landslide impacts.

Murang'a Woman Representative Betty Maina is also advocating for public awareness campaigns to educate the public about the signs of danger.

In Kajiado, Jane Nyagathirii, Director of Meteorological Services, has urged residents to take tree planting seriously as a means to protect their soil and reduce the impact of El Niño. She also called for mass education on how to manage livestock during heavy rains.

Flood-prone areas in Homa Bay have been identified, and mitigation measures are being developed. County Commissioner Moses Lilian stated that a response team is actively pooling resources and preparing for the expected rains.

In Kisumu County, Maurice Oricho, Director of Disaster Management, called for a multisectoral approach to disaster preparedness. In Siaya county, a team has been formed to monitor the expected El Niño rains and identify hotspot areas vulnerable to floods.

The county has identified the bridges at Goye, Bondo, Canabolo, and Aram Markets as potential hotspots. Governor James Orengo and County Commissioner Jin Njoka have asked all stakeholders to contribute to the county's emergency fund because the county cannot bear the cost of disaster damage on its own.