Machakos County has initiated preparations for the forecasted El Niño rains, with a focus on minimizing the impact of potential floods and emergencies. The county government, in collaboration with various stakeholders, including the Kenya Red Cross Society, is working to ensure a coordinated response to the anticipated weather conditions. This proactive approach aims to mitigate the effects of flooding, landslides, and disease outbreaks in low-lying and flood-prone areas.
Governor Wavinya Ndeti emphasized the county's preparedness measures, which include training for different departments to respond effectively to emergencies associated with heavy rainfall. The training, part of the Kenya Inter-Agency Rapid Assessment (KIRA), aims to equip teams with the necessary skills to handle the challenges posed by the El Niño rains. The governor urged residents in flood-prone areas to heed weather advisories and take precautions to ensure their safety.
The Kenya Meteorological Department has warned of enhanced rainfall across several parts of the country, with Machakos County expected to receive above-average rainfall. The onset of the rains is forecast for the third or fourth week of October 2026, with the rains expected to continue until January 2027. Dominic Kyalo, Machakos County Director of Meteorological Services, stated that most areas are expected to receive more than 300 millimeters of rainfall, with some areas projected to receive over 600 millimeters.
The Meteorological Department is working with various stakeholders, including the IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC), to prepare a Participatory Scenario Planning (PSP) framework. This initiative combines weather forecasts with PSP to guide communities, particularly farmers, on how to prepare for and respond to anticipated weather conditions. The department is also collaborating with other stakeholders to clear drainage systems and undertake measures around dams and water weirs ahead of the rains.
The Kenya Red Cross Society has increased its preparedness in Machakos County, with Regional Director George Ndolo stating that the organization has increased the number of response teams and is pre-positioning emergency supplies closer to vulnerable areas. The Red Cross is also training community volunteers in aqua rescue, including diving skills, to strengthen local communities' ability to respond to water-related emergencies.
The county government is working with the Kenya Red Cross Society and other stakeholders to identify areas that have previously experienced flooding, with the aim of reducing the risk of repeat disasters. The organization is also conducting community training and awareness campaigns on early-warning signs, and undertaking pegging and marking along rivers in parts of Mavoko to guide communities on danger levels.
The county government is also taking measures to support food production, with County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture Dr. Joel Nzomo urging farmers to complete planting by October 15. The county plans to procure and distribute 40 tonnes of free maize, bean, and pigeon pea seeds, and will continue registering farmers to access subsidized fertilizer through the National Cereals and Produce Board depots.
Key points
- Machakos County is bracing for the impact of El Niño rains, with authorities and partners working to strengthen early-warning systems and response measures.
- The county government is working with various stakeholders to mitigate the effects of flooding, landslides, and disease outbreaks in low-lying and flood-prone areas.
- Residents in flood-prone areas are urged to heed weather advisories and take precautions to ensure their safety.
