West Pokot Couny has set in motion measures to strengthen its readiness for anticipated El Niño weather conditions expected as from around next month.
Governor Simon Kachapin has instructed his relevant management teams to enhanced risk assessment, coordination and response planning.
“We have activated all the relevant departments and disaster management structures so that we are ready ahead of the heavy rains expected in many parts of the country”, said Kachapin.
The Kenya Meteorological Department / Kenya Met Service Authority (KMSA) in its most recent forecast indicating that there would be above-normal rains expected from second week of October to January 2027.
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The  counties expected to get above-average rain, including  Nairobi, Kiambu, Murang'a, Machakos, Nakuru, Narok, Uasin Gishu, Trans Nzoia, Nandi, Bungoma, Kakamega, Kisumu, Garissa, Wajir, l and Mombasa.
The government is warning floods, landslides, roads destroyed, displacement, cholera. NDOC and Interior Ministry are already mapping evacuation centres.
In West Pokot county a preparedness meeting held at the county headquarters brought together County Secretary Jonathan Siwanyang, executive for Public Service Management and ICT Esther Chelimo, Chief Officer for Special Programmes, Humanitarian Coordination and Disaster Management Daniel Lopale, County Meteorologist Wilson Lonyang’ole, officers from Agriculture, Water and Gender, and representatives from NDMA and the Kenya Red Cross Society.
Siwanyang said the meeting focused on validating the risk assessment tool, planning field-based risk assessments and initiating participatory scenario planning to identify potential risks and guide timely interventions.
Participants also discussed strengthening early-warning systems, access to reliable climate information, community awareness and coordination among response actors, with particular attention to vulnerable groups.
He said the meeting formed part of the county’s ongoing efforts to enhance preparedness and ensure timely, coordinated action in the event of El Niño-related hazards.
“We will also move the sub counties to ensure that all our relevant staff are well prepared and we will also sensitize our communities on what to expect and how to ac”, said Siwanyang
He said the would work with all other stakeholders in the region to ensure well coordinated approach to the expected situation.
Ends