Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has called on residents in high-risk areas of Murang'a County to take heed of climate advisories and relocate to safer grounds in anticipation of the upcoming El Niño rains. Speaking in Mbombo, Maragua, during a public sensitization event, Kindiki assured residents that the government would provide temporary shelter for those affected. This move aims to prevent loss of life and property as the country prepares for the expected heavy rainfall.
The El Niño phenomenon is expected to bring above-average rains to Kenya between October and December 2026. According to the Kenya Meteorological Department, roughly 80 percent of the country can expect heavy rainfall through the end of 2026. The World Meteorological Organization has warned that this El Niño event will be exceptionally strong, with potential global impacts on food security, economic stability, and access to resources.
Kindiki emphasized the importance of respecting climate advisories to safeguard lives and prevent loss of life. He encouraged residents to cooperate with the government's efforts to mitigate the effects of the heavy rains. The government has committed to providing temporary shelter to those in high-risk areas until the rains subside. This initiative aims to minimize the risk of calamities and ensure public safety.
In addition to addressing the immediate risks associated with El Niño, Kindiki urged farmers in agricultural-rich areas to take advantage of the anticipated rains. He encouraged them to work hard on their farms to ensure that Kenya's food basket remains stable. The government has been working to support farmers by providing access to affordable certified seeds and farm inputs.
The government has implemented measures to reduce the cost of essential farming inputs. For example, the price of a 50-kilogram bag of fertilizer has decreased from Sh7,000 in 2022 to Sh2,000. Similarly, the price of 2 kilograms of certified maize seed has been reduced from Sh600 to Sh300, and a kilogram of the same seed is now available at Sh150. These reductions aim to enable farmers to increase production.
Kindiki also highlighted the government's efforts to boost dairy production through the introduction of sexed semen technology at the Kenya Animal Genetic Resource Centre. This technology, now available at Sh1,000, guarantees 90 percent female calves, which can increase herd growth and milk production. This initiative aims to strengthen Kenya's dairy value chain.
The government's initiatives aim to support farmers and residents in high-risk areas as the country prepares for the El Niño rains. By taking proactive measures, the government hopes to minimize the risks associated with the phenomenon and promote food security and economic stability. Residents are urged to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
Key points
- The Kenyan government has reduced the price of certified seeds and fertilizers to support farmers ahead of the El Niño rains.
- Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has urged residents in high-risk areas to relocate to safer grounds ahead of the El Niño rains.
- The El Niño phenomenon is expected to bring above-average rains to Kenya between October and December 2026, affecting roughly 80 percent of the country.
