Kenya is stepping up preparations for the expected El Niño rains as rising water levels in Lakes Baringo and Bogoria continue to worry communities living around the two lakes.
The government is working with the European Union (EU) to strengthen preparedness in areas already dealing with the effects of the rising lakes.
Environment and Climate Change Principal Secretary Festus Ng’eno held talks with Italian Ambassador to Kenya Vincenzo Del Monaco and an EU delegation led by Deputy Head of Mission Ondrej Simek on Friday, August 28.
The issues revolved around ways of enhancing the capabilities of communities and government institutions to handle climate risks.
According to Ng’eno, the upcoming El Niño conditions could worsen the scenario if the country gets rains within the upcoming period.
“Of great worry is the possibility of the impact that the coming El Niño conditions could have by bringing additional rainfall thus worsening the situation for areas that are facing high lake levels,” he said.
There is need for government and development partners to act early and not wait for the rains to bring further destruction, said Ng’eno.
The rising water levels have had an impact on the surrounding communities, livelihood, infrastructure, and environment, says the ministry.
The government is therefore pushing for stronger early-warning systems to ensure residents receive information early enough to take precautions.
As part of the response, the EU is supporting a climate resilience programme in the Lake Baringo watershed. The programme is intended to improve the capacity of communities and institutions to deal with climate-related risks.
These meetings are happening amid preparation for the October to December period when rainfall is expected to be more than average in some parts of the country.
As per the weather department, some of the counties like Baringo are expected to receive rainfall as early as September because of the emerging El Niño situation.
Communities living in areas of Lakes Baringo and Bogoria are worried about how extra rainfall might impact on already flooded areas.
The Government says it will keep on monitoring the situation while cooperating with counties, communities and development partners before the rains.
