The national and Kakamega County governments have assured residents that they are prepared to respond to emergencies that may arise from the anticipated El Niño rains. This assurance was given by Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa and County Commissioner James Rwaria after co-chairing a joint preparedness and mitigation committee meeting at the county government headquarters. The meeting focused on putting measures in place to protect residents and ensure a swift response to emergencies during the rainy season.
The joint meeting activated the county emergency operations plan, health emergency plan, and disaster and contingency plan to strengthen preparedness, response, and mitigation measures. According to Governor Barasa, the purpose of the meeting was to prepare for the heavy rains expected between October and February next year. The governor urged artisanal miners in several areas to temporarily suspend mining activities during the rainy season due to the risks associated with rising water levels.
Governor Barasa also called on sand harvesters operating along River Nzoia and other water bodies to halt their activities. He warned that continued mining in tunnels and sand harvesting along riverbanks could expose people to serious risks. Instead, he encouraged farmers to take advantage of the anticipated rains by planting short-term and early-maturing crops that could provide food and income during and after the rainy season.
The governor emphasized the importance of proper water harvesting to help communities make productive use of the rains while reducing the risks associated with excess water. This approach is expected to provide benefits to residents and help mitigate the potential negative impacts of the El Niño rains. By taking proactive measures, the county aims to minimize the risks and maximize the benefits of the anticipated rains.
County Commissioner James Rwaria stated that disaster response teams and other relevant government agencies were ready to deal with challenges that could arise from the rains. He confirmed that the probability of the El Niño rains occurring was over 80 percent, indicating a high likelihood of heavy rainfall. Rwaria emphasized that preparedness was a continuous process requiring the participation of government agencies, communities, and other stakeholders.
Rwaria highlighted that preparedness measures were being implemented at all levels, from individual households and locations to sub-counties and the county level. The joint county coordinated committee on El Niño rains preparedness has been established to ensure a coordinated response to the anticipated rains. The committee's main goal is to prevent loss of life and damage to property.
The Kakamega County government is working closely with national authorities to ensure that residents are protected and prepared for the El Niño rains. With measures in place, the county is confident in its ability to respond to emergencies and mitigate the potential impacts of the anticipated rains. Residents are being encouraged to take proactive steps to prepare for the rains and minimize potential risks.
Key points
- The Kakamega County government has activated its emergency operations plan, health emergency plan, and disaster and contingency plan to prepare for the El Niño rains.
- Governor Fernandes Barasa has urged artisanal miners and sand harvesters to temporarily suspend their activities during the rainy season due to the risks associated with rising water levels.
- The county is promoting proper water harvesting and encouraging farmers to plant early-maturing crops to make productive use of the rains and reduce potential risks.
