The government has established a high-level Cabinet committee to coordinate national preparations for the anticipated El Niño rains expected later this year, as part of efforts to reduce the impact of flooding and other climate-related emergencies.
The decision was reached during a Cabinet meeting chaired by President William Ruto on Tuesday, June 30, with Deputy President Kithure Kindiki appointed to lead the newly formed Ad Hoc Cabinet Committee on El Niño Preparedness and Response.
According to a Cabinet dispatch, the committee will oversee the country’s readiness strategy and coordinate interventions across ministries, departments and agencies ahead of the forecast heavy rains.
National contingency plan activated
Cabinet directed the committee to immediately roll out a national El Niño contingency plan designed to strengthen disaster preparedness before the onset of the rainy season.
The response plan includes flood mitigation measures, evacuation strategies for communities living in high-risk areas, establishment of temporary shelters, and the clearing of drainage systems to reduce the likelihood of flooding.
Authorities will also prioritise the reinforcement of roads, bridges and other critical infrastructure vulnerable to damage during periods of intense rainfall.
Emergency supplies to be pre-positioned
To improve emergency response, the government plans to pre-position relief equipment, medical supplies and other essential resources in strategic locations across the country.
The move is intended to enable faster response to emergencies, minimise disruptions and support affected communities should flooding occur.
Cabinet also directed relevant agencies to issue timely weather and farming advisories to help farmers prepare for changing weather conditions and reduce potential agricultural losses.
In addition, a contingency fund will be established to finance emergency relief operations, rehabilitation programmes and recovery efforts in areas affected by the expected El Niño season.
Government responding to early weather forecasts
The latest measures follow an earlier alert from the Kenya Meteorological Service, which warned that the country could experience a transition from the current dry conditions to significantly wetter weather towards the end of the year.
Meteorological forecasts indicate that the developing El Niño event could reach moderate or even strong intensity, increasing the likelihood of above-average rainfall and flooding in several parts of the country.
The weather agency has said it continues to monitor global climate models to provide updated forecasts as weather patterns evolve.
Nairobi already investing in flood mitigation
As part of broader preparedness efforts, the national government and the Nairobi County Government have already committed KSh2 billion towards upgrading the capital’s drainage infrastructure.
The investment is expected to improve storm-water management, reduce flooding in vulnerable neighbourhoods and strengthen the city’s resilience ahead of the anticipated rainy season.
The formation of the Cabinet committee signals the government’s intention to coordinate preparedness efforts early, with officials expected to work closely with county governments and emergency agencies to minimise the impact of the anticipated El Niño rains.
