TV OYOMINTO
Kenya is stepping up preparations for the October–December rainfall season as authorities warn that strengthening El Niño conditions could bring heavy rainfall, flooding and landslides in different parts of the country.
The National Disaster Operations Centre says the government has activated a multi-agency preparedness framework involving national and county governments, security agencies, health authorities, road agencies, humanitarian organisations and local administrators.
The preparations are aimed at reducing the impact of extreme weather before the situation develops into a major emergency.
According to the National Disaster Operations Centre, authorities are focusing on early-warning systems, evacuation plans and the protection of lives and property.
The preparations come as Kenya enters the October–December rainfall season, which meteorological authorities have warned could be wetter than normal.
The Kenya Meteorological Department had projected above-average rainfall across a large part of the country, with the rains expected to begin in most areas during the second and third weeks of October.
Authorities are particularly concerned about communities living near rivers, low-lying areas and unstable slopes.
Flooding has previously caused deaths, displacement and extensive damage to roads, bridges, homes, businesses and other infrastructure in different parts of Kenya.
The government has therefore directed agencies to identify areas at risk and strengthen preparedness before rainfall intensifies.
Road agencies are expected to inspect major roads, bridges and drainage systems, particularly sections that are vulnerable to flooding.
Urban authorities have also been urged to clear blocked drainage systems and waterways to allow rainwater to flow freely.
The preparations are not limited to infrastructure.
Health authorities are also expected to prepare for diseases that can increase following heavy rainfall and flooding. Flooding can contaminate water sources and disrupt sanitation systems, increasing the risk of water-borne and vector-borne diseases.
Communities have consequently been advised to remain alert and follow weather and emergency advisories issued by authorities.
The National Disaster Operations Centre has also urged the public to avoid dangerous areas during heavy rainfall and to exercise caution when travelling.
Motorists, in particular, have been warned against attempting to cross moving floodwater, while people living near rivers and other flood-prone areas are encouraged to monitor official warnings and be prepared to move to safer locations if necessary.
The government is also monitoring dams, reservoirs and water pans to assess water levels and structural safety.
The increased preparedness comes as climate-related extreme weather events continue to pose challenges to Kenya’s development.
Agriculture is particularly vulnerable because excessive rainfall can destroy crops, erode farmland and affect livestock.
Transport disruptions could also affect the movement of food and other essential goods if major roads and bridges are damaged.
For urban centres such as Nairobi, the focus is increasingly turning to drainage infrastructure.
In Embakasi South, local authorities and other agencies are preparing to clear tributaries of the Ngong River and address identified flood hotspots before the rains intensify. A recent mapping exercise identified 17 areas considered vulnerable to flooding in the constituency.
The national preparations are therefore taking place at both government and community levels.
However, authorities have cautioned that preparedness cannot completely eliminate the risks associated with heavy rainfall.
For residents, the immediate priority is to stay informed, avoid known danger zones and take early action when authorities issue evacuation or safety warnings.
As Kenya enters the October–December rainy season, the effectiveness of these preparations will ultimately depend on how quickly warnings are translated into action on the ground.
The government says it is preparing early. Communities are now being urged to do the same.
Comment here