The Government has stepped up preparations for a possible El Nino season later this year following forecasts by Kenyan and international meteorological experts indicating a high likelihood of above-normal rainfall during the October to December short rains period.
DP Kithure Kindiki chaired a high-level meeting bringing together key Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to assess the country’s readiness and coordinate interventions aimed at reducing the potential impact of the anticipated rains.
While El Nino rains can boost water availability and agricultural production in some regions, they also pose significant risks. Authorities warned that the expected heavy rainfall could damage crops, disrupt transport and supply chains, threaten public health and safety, and destroy critical infrastructure if adequate mitigation measures are not put in place.
Food Security Tops Government Agenda
A key focus of the meeting was safeguarding the country’s food security.
The Deputy President received updates on the current national food security situation and directed relevant agencies to ensure that any adverse effects from the anticipated El Nino season do not disrupt food production, distribution, or access.
The Government noted that maintaining the current stable food security situation remains a priority, even as preparedness efforts are intensified across sectors.
The Government has activated its national preparedness framework under the recently enacted National Disaster Management Act, which was assented to last month.
The law provides a coordinated framework for disaster risk reduction, preparedness, response, and recovery, enabling government agencies to work together in addressing emergencies such as floods associated with El Nino.
Relevant ministries and state agencies have been tasked with enhancing preparedness measures, identifying high-risk areas, strengthening emergency response systems, and ensuring coordinated mitigation efforts ahead of the expected rains.
Ebola Preparedness Also Reviewed
Beyond the El Nino outlook, the meeting also reviewed Kenya’s preparedness against the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo.
Officials briefed the Deputy President on measures already in place to prevent cross-border transmission, including surveillance, screening, and emergency response protocols. The updates will be refined further to strengthen the country’s readiness should the regional health situation change.
The Government said the dual focus on disaster preparedness and disease surveillance reflects its broader commitment to protecting lives, livelihoods, and critical national infrastructure through early planning and coordinated action.
