Work has been undertaken to minimise erosion and protect neighbouring properties/HANDOUT Mandera County has stepped up preparations for the October–December rainfall season amid forecasts of above-average rainfall and possible flash floods in vulnerable parts of the county.
The Kenya Meteorological Service Authority (KMSA) has forecast the onset of the short rains from the second and third weeks of October, with enhanced rainfall expected across much of the country.
The authority has warned that the season could be characterised by prolonged wet spells and occasional isolated storms, with evolving El Niño conditions potentially increasing the risk of weather-related impacts.
The forecast has heightened concerns in Mandera, where settlements located near natural drainage channels and riparian areas have previously experienced flooding.
In Mandera Municipality, teams have already begun clearing and desilting culverts and improving drainage infrastructure in areas considered vulnerable to flash floods.
Municipal Manager Matker Mohamed Noor said the municipality had also undertaken protection works along two major riparian areas to minimise erosion and protect neighbouring properties.
“The municipality has undertaken protection works along the two main existing riparian areas. We have also undertaken stepped-up gabion protection works along Busle streams,” Noor said.
The municipality has identified Bulla Barwaqo, Bulla Township and Bulla Green as among the areas at greatest risk of flash flooding.
Bulla Barwaqo is vulnerable to floodwater originating across the Somalia border, while Bulla Township receives runoff from Bulla Hawa. Bulla Green, meanwhile, is exposed to water flowing from Qarba Qoley.
To improve drainage in Bulla Barwaqo, the municipality has constructed a 650-metre trapezoidal drainage channel designed to facilitate the movement of stormwater and reduce flooding.
Municipal teams are also cleaning and unclogging culverts within the Central Business District, with additional works planned to open side drains and maintain existing drainage infrastructure.
The municipality has warned residents against blocking natural waterways with murram, dykes and other structures in an attempt to divert floodwater away from their homes.
Noor said such interventions could obstruct established drainage paths, redirect floodwater and increase the risk of flooding on neighbouring properties.
Residents have been advised to seek technical guidance before undertaking any works that could interfere with natural waterways.
They have also been urged to avoid low-lying areas during heavy rains, refrain from crossing fast-moving floodwater on foot or in vehicles, and follow official weather and flood advisories.
The municipality is also preparing to improve access roads serving key facilities, including markets, hospitals, schools and mosques, as part of measures to ensure essential services remain accessible during the rainy season.
The preparations come as Mandera continues to experience increasingly variable weather patterns, alternating between prolonged drought and episodes of intense rainfall that have caused flash floods.
KMSA has urged counties and communities to move beyond early warning and take early action ahead of the onset of the short rains.
