Deputy President Gachagua Emphasizes Preparation for El Niño

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua of Kenya has issued a stern warning to all public officers and agencies to exercise utmost transparency and refrain from any attempts at embezzling funds allocated for the management of the imminent El Nino’s impacts. Speaking at a critical stakeholders meeting held in Karen on a Thursday, Gachagua highlighted the dire need for financial discipline. He emphasized that the government is earmarking a whopping Sh10 billion specifically to deal with the challenges presented by the El Nino rains.

He was quoted saying, “Our country is already facing significant economic challenges. Therefore, it’s imperative we exhibit wisdom in our financial planning and allocations. It is in the nation’s best interest that we refrain from overstretching our financial resources by overstating the requirements.”

Ann Waiguru, Chairperson of the Council of Governors (CoG), representing the interests of the counties, unveiled an ambitious plan. She stated that a substantial Sh15 billion would be set aside as a precautionary measure, which will be channeled towards providing essential food supplies to families adversely affected by the rains.

In addition to this, the CoG’s Health chairperson, Muthomi Njuki, made a pressing appeal. Recognizing the likelihood of waterborne diseases due to the El Nino-induced rains, he urged Kemsa to act swiftly. His request was for Kemsa to ensure a consistent and adequate supply of essential drugs to all health facilities, well in advance of the anticipated rainfall.

On a similar note, the Cabinet Secretary for EAC, Arid and Semi-Arid Lands and Regional Development, Rebecca Miano, shared her perspective on the needs of the ASAL areas. She indicated a requirement of approximately Sh9.3 billion to efficiently cater to these regions.

The Kwanza administration of Kenya also voiced concerns regarding the potential disruption of the National Examinations, scheduled for the end of October, due to the projected heavy rainfall. Addressing this concern, Defence CS Aden Duale declared that he has already directed the military to be on high alert. Highlighting the gravity of the situation, he declared, “Should the rains render many roads impassable, our military helicopters stand ready to ensure the timely distribution of exams to the designated centers.”

Deputy President Gachagua further reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding every citizen. He stated that the government’s primary goal during this period would be to ensure that no lives are lost due to the adverse effects of the rain.

A crucial role has been entrusted to the Treasury Cabinet Secretary, Njuguna Ndung’u. He has been appointed to furnish a detailed report to a technical committee by the following Tuesday. The report is expected to clearly outline the available resources and the plan for their optimal utilization in El Nino mitigation measures.

This looming El Niño event in Kenya is reportedly more potent than the ones experienced back in 1997. The World Meteorological Organisation, as early as July 5, confirmed the commencement of the El Niño phenomenon. Occurring approximately every two to seven years and typically enduring nine to 12 months, El Nino is synonymous with abundant rainfall, whereas its counterpart, La Nina, usually signifies dry weather spells. Current predictions indicate that the El Nino conditions are set to dominate the October-December 2023 rainfall season, with a possibility of extending into the November to January season.