Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen has identified 18 counties at high risk of El Niño-related impacts as State steps up preparations ahead of expected above-normal rainfall from October.
In a statement on Monday, Murkomen said the government had mapped areas likely to be affected by flash floods, landslides, drought, disease outbreaks, displacement and infrastructure damage.
According to Murkomen, there is an 81 per cent chance that the El Niño will be strong, while there is a 97 per cent probability that its effects will be felt into early 2027.
The national risk assessment prepared by the National Disaster Operations Centre (NDOC) places parts of the Coast, Lake Basin, Rift Valley and North Eastern regions among the areas facing the highest vulnerability.
“Areas exposed to various risks, including flash floods, landslides, drought, disease outbreaks and infrastructure damage, have been mapped as part of the wider plan to mitigate the effects of El Niño,” Murkomen said.
Counties at risk
In the Coast region, Tana River, Kilifi, Lamu, Mombasa and Kwale have been identified as vulnerable to flooding, storm surges, coastal erosion and infrastructure damage.
Murkomen said residents in some areas could be displaced by flooding.
In the Lake Basin, Kisumu, Busia, Siaya, Homa Bay and Migori are at risk of flooding, landslides, disease outbreaks and displacement.
The government has also classified Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu as high-risk urban centres, with the areas facing possible flooding, blocked drainage systems, infrastructure strain and disruption of essential services.
In the Rift Valley, Turkana, Baringo, West Pokot and Narok could face drought, flash floods, landslides, livestock losses and food insecurity.
The North Eastern counties of Garissa, Wajir and Mandera are considered vulnerable to drought, water scarcity, livestock losses, poor pasture and food insecurity.
Murkomen said the counties had been prioritised in government response planning based on their vulnerability to the anticipated risks.
“The identified counties have been prioritised in the response planning based on their vulnerability to various risks,” he said.
He added that more areas could be included if further assessments establish that they are vulnerable to El Niño-related risks.
Murkomen said the National Emergency Multi-Agency and County Emergency Response teams had been placed on high alert ahead of the anticipated weather conditions.
“The National Emergency Multi-Agency and County Emergency Response teams have been put on high alert and are being sensitised on their roles in view of the expected weather situations,” he said.
The preparations come as international weather agencies warn of a strengthening El Niño.
The World Meteorological Organisation said last week that El Niño was strengthening and could become a strong event between August and October, with wetter-than-normal conditions expected in parts of the Greater Horn of Africa.
The government said the risk mapping would guide preparedness and response efforts in counties considered most exposed to the effects of the weather phenomenon.
