Kenyans living in flood-prone and other high-risk areas have been urged to take weather warnings seriously as the country prepares for increased rainfall expected between October and December.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki said compliance with evacuation orders and restrictions issued by security and disaster management agencies would be critical in preventing loss of lives and destruction of property.
He particularly warned residents against entering flooded areas or crossing rivers during periods of heavy rainfall, saying previous disasters had shown the consequences of ignoring such instructions.
“A situation like this is a matter of national security. The public is asked to comply with all instructions issued by security and disaster management agencies and other actors,” Kindiki said on Tuesday.
Government maps areas at risk
Kindiki spoke after meeting senior government officials and heads of departments and agencies responsible for coordinating the national response to the anticipated rains at his official residence in Karen, Nairobi.
He said national government administrators, security agencies and village elders had been instructed to enforce safety directives issued during the rainy season.
The government is also working with county governments, development partners and humanitarian organisations to strengthen preparedness and emergency response in areas considered vulnerable.
“We have instructed security agencies and administrators, including village elders, to strictly enforce all instructions issued by security and disaster agencies to save lives and prevent destruction of property,” Kindiki said.
The preparations include identifying areas that could experience flooding, landslides and mudslides so that response measures can be deployed before conditions deteriorate.
Nairobi and other counties face different risks
Kindiki said urban areas, including Nairobi and Mombasa, require specific interventions because of their exposure to flash floods and other effects of heavy rainfall.
Nairobi has already stepped up preparations, with county and national agencies coordinating drainage and flood-control works in identified hotspots.
The Deputy President also identified Mombasa, Busia and parts of the arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) among areas that could experience significant impacts from the weather conditions.
Meanwhile, authorities are paying attention to areas vulnerable to landslides and mudslides, which can occur rapidly during periods of intense rainfall.
The Kenya Red Cross has previously warned that 46 counties could be at risk, with more than two million people potentially affected by the anticipated rains.
Weather conditions expected to change
The preparations come as Kenya moves from relatively dry conditions in some parts of the country towards wetter conditions later in the year.
The Kenya Meteorological Department has indicated that rainfall is expected to increase from October, with above-average rainfall forecast over much of the country during the September-October-November period.
The department has also cautioned that the presence or strength of El Niño alone does not determine the amount of rainfall a particular area will receive, making it important for residents to follow location-specific weather advisories.
The government has consequently urged Kenyans to rely on official warnings and prepare for possible disruptions rather than waiting until emergencies occur.
Authorities urge calm as preparations continue
Despite the risks, Kindiki said the public should not panic, saying government agencies at both national and county levels were coordinating their response.
He said humanitarian agencies and development partners were also being engaged to support emergency preparedness and response.
For residents in vulnerable areas, authorities are urging early action, including paying attention to evacuation notices, avoiding flooded roads and rivers, and following instructions issued by disaster response teams.
The government’s message comes as Kenya enters the period when preparedness will be tested by the intensity and distribution of the expected rains.
