The government has activated a nationwide preparedness plan ahead of the October–December rains, putting vulnerable areas on alert and preparing evacuation grounds, emergency supplies and rapid response teams amid warnings that heavy rainfall could cause widespread flooding, displacement and damage to critical infrastructure.
The measures are contained in a National Contingency Plan developed jointly by national and county governments, humanitarian partners, security agencies and other disaster management stakeholders.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Ministry of Interior and National Administration said some areas, particularly in Western/Nyanza and North Eastern Kenya, could experience an early onset of the rains.
Authorities have mapped areas considered vulnerable to flooding and other rain-related hazards to guide preparedness, evacuation and emergency response. The priority areas include riverine and low-lying locations, coastal areas, landslide-prone highlands, arid and semi-arid regions, northern Kenya and urban centres vulnerable to flooding.
The government has also identified roads and transport infrastructure likely to be affected in North Eastern, Tana River, Coast, Western/Nyanza, Rift Valley, Turkana, Nairobi, Central and Eastern Kenya.
Drainage systems, culverts and water channels are being cleared and desilted to improve water flow and reduce flooding, with the Kenya Urban Roads Authority clearing identified choke points. Solid waste management is also being strengthened through initiatives including Climate WorX.
Authorities are preparing for possible displacement by identifying temporary holding grounds for people who may be forced from their homes by floods and other emergencies.
Water levels in rivers and other water bodies are being monitored, particularly around major dams and communities along river banks. Agencies are also inspecting bridges, roads and critical utilities in flood-prone areas to identify weaknesses and take preventive action.
At the community level, early warning systems are being strengthened through Chiefs, Assistant Chiefs and Nyumba Kumi structures to ensure alerts reach residents in high-risk areas.
The government said public sensitisation on disaster preparedness was also being intensified, with communities being informed about what to do before, during and after heavy rainfall.
Emergency food, non-food items and medical supplies are being pre-positioned at strategic locations, while coordination among government agencies, counties, the Kenya Red Cross Society, the National Drought Management Authority and security agencies is being strengthened.
Rapid response teams have also been placed on standby for search and rescue, evacuation and post-disaster assessments.
The ministry, however, warned that preparations cannot remove the danger posed by extreme rainfall.
“Heavy rainfall rapidly overwhelm our drainage systems, rivers and critical infrastructure,” the ministry said, warning that the potential for “flooding, displacement, loss of livelihoods, damage to infrastructure and, in severe cases, loss of life remains real”.
Authorities urged people living along river banks, riparian reserves, low-lying areas and places prone to flash floods and landslides to follow evacuation advisories and move to safer ground when directed.
The public has also been asked to report blocked drainage systems, rising water levels, damaged infrastructure and other emerging hazards to the relevant authorities.