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In a food safety advisory issued on Monday, the ministry said experience from previous El Niño seasons showed that heavy rains, flooding and high humidity could lead to a sharp rise in illnesses such as cholera, typhoid and aflatoxin poisoning.
The Kenya Red Cross Society says heavy rains could increase the risk of flooding, landslides and other weather-related disasters in the region.
The Governor issued the directive on Thursday during a meeting at Barabara Plaza in Nairobi attended by KURA Director-General Eng. Silas Kinoti, county and KURA engineers and contractors.
The preparedness programme is being coordinated by Governor Sakaja and brings together the Nairobi County Government, national agencies and humanitarian organisations involved in roads, drainage and emergency response.
In a public service advisory issued ahead of the October-November-December (OND) rains, the government through the Office of the Government Spokesperson and the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy said the country should not wait for the weather to turn into a disaster before taking action.
The ministry has urged Kenyans to follow official health and weather advisories and disregard rumours and misinformation as El Nino preparations intensify ahead of the expected rains
The project links Usenge Town to Got Agulu Island and is intended to restore an all-weather transport connection in an area that has for years experienced disruptions caused by flooding. Government officials have previously said the bridge will improve connectivity, trade and socio-economic activity in the region
The Monday meeting brought together the Kenya Red Cross, Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA), National Disaster Management teams and other partners involved in flood preparedness and response.
The preparations come days after Deputy President Kithure Kindiki directed counties to activate their disaster response systems ahead of the October-December rainy season.
The county has identified 227 flood-prone locations across Nairobi’s 17 sub-counties. The mapping exercise will guide where equipment, personnel and emergency resources are deployed as the rains intensify.
According to the National Disaster Operations Centre, water from flooding can also wash away or weaken soil around building foundations. Such damage may affect the stability of a structure and create danger not only for occupants but also for people in neighbouring areas.
Among the worst-affected areas is the Sunut Forest, a six-square-kilometre wildlife reserve in central Khartoum. Once a vital refuge for migratory birds and a natural barrier against flooding from the nearby White Nile, much of the forest has been cleared as residents cut down acacia trees for firewood