The government has assured Kenyans that it is putting measures in place to protect lives and livelihoods as the country prepares for the expected El Niño rains during the October-November-December (OND) season.
The government says it has adopted a multi-agency approach to coordinate preparations and respond quickly to emergencies at the county level.
Government Spokesperson Charles Owino Wahong’o said the national government was working with development partners to ensure communities likely to be affected by the heavy rains receive the necessary support.
Speaking during a joint media briefing on the country’s preparedness, Owino assured Kenyans that measures were being put in place to minimise the impact of the rains.
Principal Secretary for Special Programmes Ismail Maalim Madey urged Kenyans to take personal precautions and act on early warnings issued by authorities.
He said the national and county governments, together with development partners, were coordinating emergency response plans, including the distribution of food and non-food items to areas considered to be at high risk.
“We are calling on Kenyans to take individual actions and act appropriately,” Madey said, while reaffirming the government’s commitment to keeping citizens safe during the OND rains.
The government has also placed emphasis on communication, with officials saying timely and accurate information will be important in helping Kenyans prepare for possible floods and other emergencies.
Broadcasting and Telecommunications PS Stephen Isaboke said a communication plan and protocol had been put in place through the National Crisis Communication Committee to ensure verified information reaches the public quickly.
He also called on the media to strengthen the channels used to pass official information to citizens.
Isaboke said information provided to the public should help people take practical steps to protect their lives, property and livelihoods.
The government further said it was working to ensure key sectors of the economy remain operational during and after the rains.
These include health, agriculture, education and transport, which officials said would require continued coordination as the country responds to any disruptions caused by the weather.
The government is now urging Kenyans, particularly those living in areas prone to flooding and other weather-related risks, to pay attention to official warnings and take early action as the rainy season approaches.
