The government has warned Kenyans living in flood and landslide-prone areas to prepare for possible evacuation as the country braces for above-normal rainfall between October and December.
The Ministry of Interior and National Administration said the rains could cause flooding, drowning, injuries and deaths in different parts of the country.
It also warned of possible displacement of communities, disease outbreaks, damage to roads and other infrastructure, as well as losses to crops, livestock and livelihoods.
The warning was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday as the government announced seven measures to strengthen its preparedness for the expected rains.
The measures are part of a National Contingency Plan developed with national and county governments, humanitarian organisations, security agencies and other disaster management stakeholders.
The government has already mapped areas considered vulnerable to flooding and other effects of heavy rainfall.
The priority areas include riverine and low-lying areas, coastal regions, highlands prone to landslides, arid and semi-arid areas, northern Kenya and urban areas prone to flooding.
Roads and transport infrastructure likely to be affected have also been identified in North Eastern, Tana River, Coastal, Western and Nyanza, Rift Valley, Turkana, Nairobi, Central and Eastern regions.
The government is also clearing and desilting drainage systems, culverts and water channels to reduce the risk of flooding, particularly in urban areas.
The Kenya Urban Roads Authority and other agencies have identified drainage choke points and are working to clear and unblock them.
The government has also started preparing for possible evacuations of people living on riparian land and other high-risk areas.
Temporary holding grounds have been identified for people who may be displaced by floods and other emergencies.
“We urge those living along river banks, riparian reserves, low-lying areas, areas prone to flash floods and landslides, and other identified high-risk locations to heed evacuation advisories and move to safer ground when directed to do so,” the Ministry said.
Water levels in rivers and other water bodies are also being monitored, with special attention to areas around major dams and communities living along river banks.
The government is further inspecting bridges, roads and critical utilities in flood-prone areas to identify possible risks and undertake preventive measures.
Community early warning systems are being strengthened through chiefs, assistant chiefs and Nyumba Kumi structures to ensure information reaches residents in high-risk areas in time.
Emergency supplies, including food, non-food items and medical supplies, are also being stored at strategic locations for use during emergencies.
Rapid response teams have been placed on standby to conduct search and rescue operations, evacuations and post-disaster assessments.
The Ministry, however, cautioned that the measures should not create a false sense of security.
“Preparedness should not be mistaken for an absence of risk,” the Ministry said, warning that heavy rainfall could quickly overwhelm drainage systems, rivers and critical infrastructure in vulnerable areas.
Some parts of Western, Nyanza and North Eastern Kenya are expected to experience an early onset of the rainfall season.
The government has urged Kenyans to remain vigilant, follow official weather and evacuation advisories and report blocked drainage systems, rising water levels and damaged infrastructure to the relevant authorities.
The measures come as Kenya prepares for what meteorological authorities have described as a potentially very strong El Niño event, with above-normal rainfall expected across most parts of the country during the October to December season.
