The Ministry of Health has started preparations for the anticipated El Nino rains, warning of possible outbreaks of diseases including cholera, malaria, dengue fever and Rift Valley fever.
The ministry said in a press release on Monday, September 14, that preparations had been activated at both national and county levels ahead of the October-December rainy season.
The Kenya Meteorological Department has forecast a 99 per cent chance of above-normal rainfall between October and December 2026, with the rains expected to continue into February 2027.
The Ministry of Health has consequently issued an advisory to all 47 counties, urging them to prepare early for possible flooding, disease outbreaks, injuries and disruption of health services.
Heavy rains and flooding can contaminate water sources and create breeding grounds for mosquitoes, increasing the risk of waterborne and vector-borne diseases.
The ministry listed cholera, typhoid and other diarrhoeal diseases among the illnesses that could increase during the rainy season. Malaria, dengue fever and Rift Valley fever are also a concern.
Flooding could also cause injuries and drowning, damage health facilities and make it difficult for patients to access healthcare.
The ministry warned that disruption of food supplies could increase the risk of malnutrition, particularly among children, while warmer conditions could expose people to dehydration and other heat-related illnesses.
43 Counties Were Hit During Previous El Nino
The government is relying on lessons from the previous El Nino period to strengthen its preparations this time.
Between September 2023 and February 2024, 43 of Kenya’s 47 counties were affected by the rains.
The period left 175 people dead, 40 missing and 242 injured, while 384,216 people were displaced and housed in 170 camps.
The rains also affected health services. An assessment of 1,434 health facilities across 11 counties found that 64 facilities became inaccessible.
The country also recorded increased cases of cholera, Rift Valley fever and malaria during the period.
The ministry said the experience has informed the decision to begin preparations earlier and improve coordination between national and county governments.
Counties Told to Prepare Emergency Teams
Under the Health Sector El Nino Contingency Plan, all counties have been directed to maintain basic preparedness, with areas considered more vulnerable expected to strengthen their response measures immediately.
Counties have been requested to mobilize their emergency coordination teams and establish Public Health Emergency Operation Centres.
They will further be expected to identify any health facilities that might be affected by floods and put in place measures to maintain their access.
They have been directed to stock enough quantities of drugs, vaccines, and other health commodities, and conduct active surveillance for diseases.
They have further been directed to monitor the sources of drinking water, step up the fight against malaria, and mobilize ambulances among others.
Other preparations include dealing with malnutrition, keeping essential health services, and offering mental and psychosocial health support.
The government has also requested for timely communication during the rainy season.
Vulnerable Areas
The ministry has listed some vulnerable areas which will need extra attention owing to flood, landslide and disease outbreak vulnerabilities.
These vulnerable areas in North Eastern include Mandera, Wajir, Marsabit and Garissa while those in South Eastern include Kitui, Makueni and Machakos.
Vulnerable areas in the Coastal part include Lamu, Kilifi, Kwale, Tana River, Taita Taveta and Mombasa.
Some of the other vulnerable areas include Kano Plains in Kisumu, Budalang’i in Busia and Tana Delta.
Vulnerable areas of landslides in Murang’a, Nyeri and Meru, Gusii Highlands, West Pokot and some parts of Rift Valley escarpments have also been named by the ministry.
“We are acting early and together. We have learnt from previous El Nino emergencies, and our goal is to prevent avoidable deaths, disease outbreaks and disruption of health services,” the ministry said.
It called on counties to prioritise the preparedness measures and urged families to make their own preparations before the rains begin.
National Emergency Response Activated
At the national level, preparedness efforts are being coordinated through the National Public Health Emergency Operations Centre.
The centre is working with the Kenya Meteorological Department, National Disaster Operations Centre, county governments and partners including the World Health Organization, UNICEF, World Food Programme and Kenya Red Cross Society.
The ministry said disease monitoring and early warning systems are being strengthened as part of the preparations.
Emergency response teams and laboratories are also being prepared, while medicines, nutrition supplies, cholera response materials and mosquito-control products are being positioned in areas where they could be needed.
The government has urged counties and households to act before the rains arrive rather than wait for emergencies to occur.
