Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has urged Kenyans to obey evacuation orders and follow safety directives as the country prepares for the expected El Niño rains. He made the statement at his Official Residence in Karen, Nairobi, where he chaired a meeting with senior government officials and heads of departments and agencies involved in preparations for the expected rains. Kindiki emphasized that the situation is a matter of national security and that the public must comply with all instructions issued by security and disaster management agencies.
The government has stepped up preparations for the expected El Niño rains, which are forecast to occur between October and December. Kindiki warned Kenyans against ignoring safety directives in areas exposed to floods, landslides, and mudslides. He specifically cautioned the public against entering flooded areas or going near rivers when movement restrictions are issued. According to Kindiki, people living in areas considered dangerous should pay close attention to official warnings and leave when ordered to do so.
Kindiki said authorities were putting measures in place to protect lives and property as the rains approach. He stated that administrators and security agencies had been directed to ensure that instructions issued to protect the public are followed at the local level. The Deputy President also mentioned that village elders have been instructed to strictly enforce all instructions issued by security and disaster agencies to save life and prevent destruction of property.
The national government is working alongside county governments, development partners, and humanitarian agencies to improve preparedness and ensure a coordinated response in vulnerable areas. Kindiki reassured Kenyans that government agencies are working together to deal with the expected weather conditions. He also mentioned that development partners and humanitarian agencies have been engaged to make sure there is a seamless disaster response and management.
Urban centres, including Nairobi, will receive special attention due to the challenges posed by their urban environment. Kindiki singled out Nairobi for additional measures because of its unique situation, which demands greater attention to minimize adverse impacts. Other counties expected to experience significant effects from the rains include Mombasa and Busia. Arid and semi-arid areas are also part of the government's preparations.
Authorities have identified areas vulnerable to landslides and mudslides, which will receive the necessary attention as the country prepares for the rains. Kindiki mentioned that the government is taking cognisance of the unique situation in Nairobi and other urban centres, which could increase the impact of heavy rainfall, particularly through flash floods. The Deputy President urged residents to cooperate with security and disaster management agencies.
Kindiki sought to reassure Kenyans that they do not need to worry or panic, as the government has engaged all hands on deck across the national and county governments to prepare for the expected weather conditions. The government is working to protect lives and property, and Kindiki urged the public to comply with all instructions issued by security and disaster management agencies.
Key points
- The Kenyan government is preparing for El Niño rains expected between October and December.
- Deputy President Kithure Kindiki urges Kenyans to obey evacuation orders and follow safety directives.
- The government is working with county governments, development partners, and humanitarian agencies to improve preparedness and response.
