El-Nino: Gov't issues measures as Kenya braces for heavy rains

By Newsflash Writer

The government has issued seven measures to strengthen the country’s preparedness for the anticipated October-December (OND) El Niño rains, warning Kenyans to remain vigilant as above-normal rainfall is expected across most parts of the country.

In a press release issued by the Ministry of Interior and National Administration on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, the government said the expected rains could trigger flooding, drowning, injuries and fatalities, displacement of communities, disease outbreaks and disruption of essential services.

The rains could also damage roads and other critical infrastructure while causing losses to crops, livestock and livelihoods.

The government said some counties, particularly in the Western/Nyanza and North Eastern regions, are expected to experience an early onset of the rainfall season.

It has consequently activated a National Contingency Plan developed in collaboration with national and county government agencies, humanitarian partners, security agencies and other disaster management stakeholders.

The plan is intended to strengthen early warning systems, improve response capacity and minimise the potential effects of the rains.

Government maps flood hotspots

According to the Ministry, hotspot mapping has already been undertaken to identify areas that are particularly vulnerable to flooding and other impacts of heavy rainfall.

The mapping will guide the prioritisation of preparedness, evacuation and response interventions across the country.

Priority areas include riverine and low-lying regions, coastal areas, highland and landslide-prone zones, arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs), northern Kenya and urban areas vulnerable to flooding.

The government said roads and transport infrastructure likely to be affected have also been identified across the North Eastern, Tana River, Coastal, Western/Nyanza, Rift Valley, Turkana, Nairobi, Central and Eastern regions.

Relevant agencies are using the information to strengthen monitoring, undertake preventive measures and improve response planning.

Unclogging and desilting of drainage systems, culverts and other water channels are also ongoing to improve water flow and reduce the risk of urban flooding.

Choke points have been identified, with agencies including the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) working to clear and unblock affected sections.

The government said solid waste and garbage management is also being strengthened, including through Climate Worx, while ensuring workers involved in the operations have the necessary safety equipment.

Evacuation and emergency response

The government said preparations are also underway to evacuate people living on riparian land and other high-risk areas, with temporary holding grounds identified for populations that may be displaced by flooding and other emergencies.

Water levels in rivers and other water bodies are being monitored, with particular attention given to major dams and communities living along river banks.

Relevant agencies are inspecting bridges, roads and critical utilities in flood-prone areas to identify vulnerabilities and undertake preventive interventions.

Community-level early warning systems are also being strengthened through chiefs, assistant chiefs and Nyumba Kumi structures to ensure timely information reaches communities, particularly those living in high-risk areas.

The government said public sensitisation on disaster preparedness, early warning information and appropriate response measures would also be intensified.

Emergency relief items, including food, non-food items and medical supplies, are being pre-positioned at strategic locations to facilitate rapid response in case of displacement or other emergencies.

Coordination between National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs), county governments, the Kenya Red Cross Society, the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA), security agencies, health workers and other disaster management stakeholders is also being enhanced.

Rapid response teams have been placed on standby and strengthened to conduct search and rescue operations, evacuation and post-disaster assessments whenever necessary.

The government, through the National Disaster Operations Centre and county disaster management teams, said it remains committed to ensuring the country is prepared and resilient throughout the rainfall season.

However, it warned that preparedness should not be mistaken for an absence of risk, noting that heavy rainfall could quickly overwhelm drainage systems, rivers and critical infrastructure.

The government urged residents living along river banks, riparian reserves, low-lying areas and locations prone to flash floods and landslides to heed evacuation advisories and move to safer ground when directed.

It also called on wananchi to report blocked drainage systems, rising water levels, damaged infrastructure and other emerging hazards to relevant authorities.

“We will continue to monitor the evolving weather situation and provide timely advisories through relevant agencies and official channels,” the Ministry said.