Kenya Intensifies Flood Preparedness Amid El Niño Warning

By Nancy Wangare

NAIROBI, Kenya — The Kenyan government has intensified disaster preparedness measures following fresh warnings of possible El Niño conditions that could trigger heavy rainfall, flooding, and landslides across several parts of the country later this year.https://www.kenyans.co.ke/news/124225-kenya-met-issues-el-nino-alert-warns-dry-mid-year-conditions-followed-flood-risk-late 

The warning comes after weeks of destructive floods that have already affected thousands of families in different counties during the ongoing long rains season. According to the Kenya Red Cross, more than 85,000 households across 41 counties have been affected by floods caused by heavy rains since March.

Several counties, including Tana River, Nairobi, Kisumu, Mombasa, and parts of Central Kenya, have reported displacement of families, destruction of roads, and loss of livelihoods due to overflowing rivers and flash floods.

In Tana River County, villages remain cut off after floodwaters submerged roads and farms, making it difficult for humanitarian agencies to reach affected residents. Relief organizations have continued distributing food, medical supplies, and emergency shelter to displaced families.

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) recently warned that El Niño conditions are developing in the Pacific Ocean and could increase the likelihood of extreme weather events in East Africa over the coming months. Experts fear that Kenya could experience a repeat of the devastating floods witnessed in 2024 if preparedness measures are not strengthened.

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has called on the national government to publish a comprehensive El Niño response plan, urging authorities to act early to prevent loss of lives and property. He noted that previous flood disasters exposed weaknesses in drainage systems, urban planning, and emergency response coordination.

Government agencies, including the National Disaster Operations Centre and the Kenya Defence Forces, have already increased emergency response activities in flood-prone areas. The Ministry of Health has also received emergency medical supplies from the World Health Organization to help prevent outbreaks of waterborne diseases such as cholera and malaria.

Meanwhile, international partners continue to support Kenya’s disaster response efforts. Slovakia recently donated humanitarian supplies through the Kenya Red Cross, while the United States announced additional funding to strengthen regional emergency preparedness.

Authorities are now urging Kenyans living in flood-prone areas to remain alert, follow weather advisories issued by the Kenya Meteorological Department, and avoid crossing flooded rivers and roads.

Parliament and county governments are expected to continue discussions on long-term flood mitigation measures, including improved drainage systems, relocation plans for vulnerable communities, and climate resilience projects.