The Kitui County Government, in collaboration with the National Government, is stepping up preparedness to protect residents from the potentially devastating effects of El Niño rains. Governor Julius Malombe and County Commissioner Erastus Mbui held a joint press conference on El Nino preparedness. The county requires up to Sh1.2 billion to mitigate the anticipated impact of the rains, repair damaged infrastructure and strengthen emergency response measures.
During the joint press conference, Governor Malombe urged residents to take early precautionary measures and prepare adequately for the season. He stressed that effective disaster preparedness required collective action at household, community and institutional levels. The governor warned that the expected rainfall during the OND 2026 season could be characterised by periods of downpours, potentially triggering mudslides, flash floods and the overflow of rivers, streams and other water channels.
Malombe said disasters could be prevented or their impact significantly reduced through early preparedness and informed action. He emphasised that the guiding principle for this season is to act early on credible weather information, protect lives and livelihoods, and ensure continuity of essential services across the county. The governor also urged residents not to view the anticipated rains solely as a threat, noting that they could also provide an opportunity to improve food security, increase water availability and boost economic activities.
The governor encouraged residents, particularly farmers and households, to take advantage of the rains by investing in water harvesting and storage. Malombe said the county government had already undertaken a series of measures to strengthen its preparedness and response capacity ahead of the OND 2026 rains. These measures include activating disaster risk-management coordination structures and strengthening emergency response systems to facilitate a faster and more coordinated response in the event of emergencies.
Governor Malombe urged residents to remain alert, follow official weather advisories and take precautionary measures to protect their families, property, livestock and livelihoods as the rainy season approaches. The county government is working closely with the National Government to ensure that residents are protected from the impacts of El Niño. Residents are advised to take necessary precautions to mitigate the effects of the anticipated rains.
The El Niño rains are expected to bring significant challenges to the county, including potential flash floods, landslides and damage to infrastructure. The county government is taking proactive measures to mitigate these impacts and ensure that residents are prepared. Governor Malombe and County Commissioner Mbui emphasised the importance of collaboration between the county government, national government and residents to effectively manage the risks associated with El Niño.
The Kitui County Government's efforts to prepare for El Niño are part of a broader national initiative to mitigate the impacts of the anticipated rains. The government is working to ensure that counties are equipped to respond to emergencies and provide support to affected residents. With the expected onset of El Niño rains, residents are advised to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety and well-being.
Key points
- Kitui County Government seeks Sh1.2bn to mitigate impact of El Niño rains
- Governor Malombe urges residents to take early precautionary measures
- El Niño rains expected to bring significant challenges to the county
