Kenya’s Counties Gear Up for El Niño Rainfall

The Kenya Meteorological Department has forecasted intense rainfall from September to January 2024. This comes after the previous year’s damage due to El Niño rains. Counties such as Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, and others including Nakuru and Narok are predicted to be heavily affected.

In preparation, Mr. Zachariah Mwangi Njeru, the Cabinet Secretary for Lands and Urban Development, stressed the importance of disaster preparedness. He cited the National Disaster Management Policy from 2009, which counties can customize to their specific needs, as a vital tool in this effort.

Nairobi Governor, Johnson Sakaja, during the unveiling of Nairobi’s disaster preparedness blueprint, highlighted plans including unclogging drainage systems and ensuring adherence to building standards. He urged builders to avoid compromising quality which might put lives at risk.

Mombasa’s Governor, Abdulswamad Nassir, is tackling blocked sewers and drainage. Evacuation strategies for those in flood-prone zones, especially in low-lying areas and slums, are being formulated. In Murang’a County, residents in areas prone to landslides have been advised to stay alert. Edwin Mugo, MP for Mathioya, is allocating funds from the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to introduce gabions in high-risk areas to prevent landslides. Additionally, Murang’a Woman Representative, Betty Maina, is championing public education campaigns about recognizing hazardous signs.

In Kajiado, the Meteorological Services Director, Jane Nyagathirii, emphasized the importance of tree planting to safeguard soil and limit El Niño’s effects. She also suggested widespread education about livestock care during heavy downpours.

Homa Bay is pinpointing flood-risk zones and devising countermeasures. County Commissioner Moses Lilian revealed that a team is amassing resources in anticipation of the upcoming rains.

An overhead shot displays flooding near the Sigiri bridge, caused by River Nzoia overflowing from intense rain and reverse flow from Lake Victoria, in Budalangi, Busia County, Kenya on May 3, 2020. Photo by REUTERS/Thomas Mukoya.

In Kisumu County, Maurice Oricho, the Disaster Management Director, highlighted the need for a collaborative approach in disaster readiness. Siaya county is closely monitoring the expected El Niño rains and singling out flood-prone areas. The county highlighted several bridges, including Goye and Bondo, as potential risk areas. Governor James Orengo and County Commissioner Jin Njoka are soliciting contributions to the county’s emergency fund, underscoring that the county alone cannot shoulder the financial implications of potential damage.