The Kenyan government has assured citizens that comprehensive measures are underway to minimize disruption and safeguard lives during the anticipated El Niño rains expected between October and December. According to Narok County Commissioner Mr. Kipkech Lotiatia, all relevant ministries, departments, agencies, and state organs have been mobilized following weather forecasts indicating a high probability of above-normal rainfall later this year. The government is coordinating efforts to mitigate the potential impact of the expected El Niño rains in collaboration with county governments, development partners, and humanitarian organizations.
Mr. Lotiatia urged the public to remain calm and follow guidance from authorities, noting that the government had put plans in place to prepare areas expected to be more vulnerable to the effects of the rains. He identified Transmara, Narok North, Olokurto, Olposimoru, and Narok Town as areas prone to flooding, mudslides, and landslides during heavy rains. The government has stationed resources in areas considered more vulnerable to the expected rains and is working with various agencies to prepare for possible emergencies arising from the weather event.
The government is working with non-state actors, including the Kenya Red Cross Society, as part of the preparations. Mr. Lotiatia assured Kenyans that the government is ready and working in a coordinated manner with different agencies and government agencies, as well as other non-state actors. He called on the Narok County government to take early measures to prevent flooding, particularly in urban areas where blocked drainage systems could worsen the impact of heavy rains.
The multi-agency preparedness meeting comes amid growing concern over the potential impact of above-normal rainfall, particularly in areas that have previously experienced flooding and other disasters during heavy rains. The expected rains are also likely to increase water levels in rivers, lakes, and other water bodies while saturating the ground in areas receiving heavy rainfall. This could increase the risk of rivers bursting their banks, particularly threatening communities living along riverbanks and in low-lying areas.
Mr. Lotiatia urged Kenyans to strictly follow safety instructions issued by security and disaster management agencies, particularly in areas vulnerable to flooding, landslides, and mudslides. The administrator said security agencies and administrators had been directed to enforce evacuation orders and movement restrictions in flooded areas as preparations intensify in high-risk zones. The government is also taking measures to protect post-harvest crop losses and livestock from diseases that could emerge during the rainy season.
A forecast by the Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) indicates a 99 per cent probability of above-normal rainfall between October and December 2026, with the rains expected to continue into 2027. Narok Governor Mr. Patrick Keturet Ole Ntutu warned against dumping garbage in drainage channels, saying blocked drains could contribute to flooding when heavy rains begin. The Governor assured that his administration had held consultations and developed measures aimed at mitigating the effects of the expected weather conditions.
Meteorological experts have pointed out that the strength of El Niño is gaining momentum, meaning that it could even be stronger than the 1997 one. Narok County Director of Meteorological Services, Mr. Stanley Kinyua, said scientific evidence indicates that the El Niño signal is strong and still intensifying. The government has assured the public that forecasts and warnings will continue to be issued and updated, and that information will be disseminated through multiple channels.
Key points
- The Kenyan government has put in place comprehensive measures to respond to the anticipated El Niño rains.
- Areas prone to flooding, mudslides, and landslides have been identified, and resources have been stationed in vulnerable areas.
- The government is working with various agencies and non-state actors to prepare for possible emergencies arising from the weather event.
