Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has urged county governments to activate disaster preparedness plans ahead of the October-December rainy season, amid forecasts of possible El Niño conditions.
Speaking during the 30th Ordinary Session of the Intergovernmental Budget and Economic Council (IBEC) in Karen, Nairobi, Kindiki warned that above-normal rainfall could trigger floods, landslides, disease outbreaks and damage to critical infrastructure.
He said the National Government had begun preparations, including pre-positioning relief supplies and mapping vulnerable areas.
Eighteen counties, alongside cities such as Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu, have been identified as particularly vulnerable.
Kindiki called on counties to clear drainage systems, protect vulnerable communities, stock essential supplies and strengthen emergency response teams.
“We must act now, before the rains begin, to safeguard lives, livelihoods, infrastructure and essential services,” he said.
