The Machakos County multi-agency El Niño preparedness committee has completed a week-long training to enhance early warning systems and emergency response ahead of anticipated heavy rains in the lower Eastern Region. The training brought together county and national government officers, disaster response teams, and humanitarian partners. The exercise aimed to improve flood risk mapping, information sharing, and rescue drills. This initiative is part of the county's efforts to mitigate the impact of El Niño.
Devolution CECM Anastacia Munyaka emphasized the importance of coordinated action in effective disaster management during the closing ceremony. She noted that Machakos was among the first counties to establish a dedicated El Niño committee. Munyaka highlighted ongoing storm-drain clearing and community sensitization efforts at the ward level. The county is taking proactive measures to minimize the effects of El Niño.
Kenya Red Cross Disaster Risk Reduction Officer Stacy Agatha Peke stated that the training focused on joint coordination to ensure accurate information from the ground informs decision-making. The training aimed to establish a single coordination platform for sharing information. Peke added that the county has put resources and contingency plans in place, making it as ready as possible for the anticipated heavy rains.
A risk assessment by Tana and Athi Rivers Development Authority (TARDA) Officer Dennis Kiyeng classified Machakos as medium-risk overall. However, high-risk hotspots along the Athi River basin, including Kinanie, Masinga Dam, Matungulu, Tala, Kima, and Yatta Plateau, were flagged as prone to flash floods, landslides, and river overflows. TARDA is working with other agencies to deploy low-cost river sensors and map flood hazards at the ward level.
County Emergency Rescue Services Director David Mwongela urged residents to be vigilant in areas such as flatlands, informal settlements, and along the Machakos-Kangundo Road. Mwongela emphasized the need for residents to take precautions to minimize the risk of El Niño-related disasters. The county is taking steps to ensure that residents are prepared and equipped to respond to emergencies.
The county has activated four toll-free emergency lines, 0720 808 900, 0715 068 861, 0800 600 016, and 1199, which will operate 24 hours for floods, fires, road accidents, and ambulance services. Residents can report emergencies and seek assistance through these lines. This initiative aims to enhance the county's response to emergencies and minimize the impact of El Niño.
The multi-agency training and preparedness efforts demonstrate Machakos County's commitment to mitigating the impact of El Niño. The county is working closely with national government agencies, disaster response teams, and humanitarian partners to ensure a coordinated response to emergencies. By taking proactive measures, the county aims to minimize the risk of El Niño-related disasters and protect its residents.
Key points
- Machakos County has established a dedicated El Niño committee and activated toll-free emergency lines to enhance disaster response.
- The county has conducted a risk assessment to identify high-risk areas prone to flash floods, landslides, and river overflows.
- The training focused on joint coordination, flood risk mapping, and rescue drills to enhance early warning systems and emergency response.
