Kakamega County has established a rapid response committee to prepare for the expected El Nino rains. The committee was formed during a meeting convened by County Secretary and Head of Public Service Dr. Lawrence Omuhaka at the county headquarters. The committee will coordinate disaster preparedness and response between October and December. This move aims to mitigate the impact of flooding and protect lives and property.
The rapid response committee will comprise the Kenya Meteorological Department, Kenya Red Cross Society, National Drought Management Authority (NDMA), County Security Team, and Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST). These partners will support the county with daily weather forecasts, evacuation and relief operations, disaster management, security coordination, technical research, and flood mapping. This collaboration will enable the county to respond effectively to El Nino-related disasters.
Dr. Omuhaka emphasized that the county will not wait for disasters to strike before taking action. He directed all relevant agencies to act immediately on weather advisories issued by the Kenya Meteorological Department. The county's 24-hour Emergency Operation Centre, Sub-County response teams, and Nyumba Kumi structures will be used to relay warnings and coordinate interventions at the community level. This proactive approach aims to minimize the impact of El Nino rains.
The county is expanding its focus beyond traditional flood hotspots along the Nzoia, Yala, and Lusumu rivers. Areas such as Malava, Ikolomani, and Lugari, which experience severe flooding, will be prioritized in drainage clearing and evacuation planning. This comprehensive approach will ensure that all vulnerable areas are prepared for the El Nino rains.
The national government team, led by James Taari Rwari, urged residents to take disaster preparedness messages seriously and use available platforms to access information. Rwari called on stakeholders to sensitize communities through the media, public barazas, and official government forums. This will ensure that residents receive timely information on disaster preparedness.
Kakamega County has received four Inline Chlorination (ILC) gadgets and chlorine tablets from Evidence Action to strengthen access to safe drinking water during the anticipated heavy rains. The equipment was presented to the Department of Water, Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change by an Evidence Action delegation. This donation will complement the county's efforts to provide safe and reliable water to residents.
The county government emphasized that the combined preparedness measures aim to reduce the impact of flooding, protect lives and property, and ensure communities continue accessing safe water during the rainy season. The partnership with Evidence Action and other stakeholders will support the county's efforts to mitigate the effects of El Nino rains.
Key points
- Kakamega County forms rapid response committee to coordinate disaster preparedness and response
- County receives equipment to strengthen access to safe drinking water during heavy rains
- County expands focus to include areas beyond traditional flood hotspots
