The government has stepped up preparedness measures ahead of the October-November-December (OND) rainfall season, warning Kenyans in vulnerable areas to take early precautions against possible flooding and landslides.
Government Spokesperson Charles Owino said relevant ministries, departments and agencies were working with county governments, humanitarian agencies and development partners to strengthen preparedness and response mechanisms.
The government is particularly monitoring the possibility that the heavy rainfall could trigger floods, landslides and disrupt transport and essential services, as well as damage infrastructure and displace vulnerable households.
“We are urging Kenyans to remain vigilant and take early precautions to protect lives, property and livelihoods,” Owino said in a statement issued on Thursday.
The government said authorities were conducting risk assessments, identifying vulnerable and flood-prone areas and preparing emergency response measures while strengthening early-warning communication to communities.
The Kenya Meteorological Department will continue monitoring the evolving weather situation and issue forecasts and advisories to guide preparedness and response at national and county levels.
Residents living in flood-prone areas, along rivers and in other vulnerable locations have been urged to take precautionary measures before heavy rains begin.
Those occupying riparian reserves have also been advised to voluntarily relocate to safer areas as a precaution against possible flooding.
The government warned members of the public against crossing flooded rivers, roads and bridges and urged motorists and pedestrians not to attempt to pass through moving flood water.
Kenyans have also been advised to keep away from riverbanks and drainage channels, keep children away from flooded areas and water bodies and secure important documents, household property and livestock where possible.
The government urged the public to follow evacuation instructions issued by authorised agencies and report emergencies promptly to the relevant authorities.
Communities have also been encouraged to work with local administrators, county governments and disaster-response teams to identify vulnerable people and support early evacuation where necessary.
The government said it would continue monitoring the OND rainfall situation and provide regular updates as weather conditions evolve.
The Kenya Meteorological Department's seasonal forecasting system provides rainfall and temperature outlooks to support planning in sectors including agriculture, health, water, transport and disaster management.
“Early warning must translate into early action,” Owino said.
Earlier in the week, the government said its pre-positioning food and medical supplies ahead of expected El Niño rains.
Eastern Regional Commissioner Jacob Muganda said multi-agency teams are putting in place elaborate measures to ensure safety during the heavy rains.
He urged residents in the Eastern region to move away from flood-prone areas.
"The weatherman has said there will be El Niño. Eastern region has many steep areas like parts of Meru, Kilungu and Machakos that are prone to landslides," Muganda said.
"We are sensitising people to temporarily move away in case there are indications of flooding. We have arrangements for medicine and relief food at county and subcounty levels as well"
He said consignments will be supplied to strategic locations in collaboration with county governments.
"There is a proper, elaborate plan put in place with county governments to ensure we mitigate wherever we can. We, however, call on the public to take precautions," he said.
