The Ministry of Interior has urged Kenyans in riparian and flood-prone areas to prepare for evacuation as part of a seven-point National Contingency Plan ahead of the anticipated October-December El Niño rains.
With forecasters warning of above-normal rainfall over the coming months, the Ministry of Interior and National Administration is telling Kenyans in flood-prone areas to be ready to pack up and move at short notice. In a statement issued Tuesday, September 1, the Ministry called on residents of high-risk zones to prepare for possible evacuation and relocate to safer ground once directed, as the country braces for the anticipated October-December (OND) El Niño rains.
A Seven-Point National Contingency Plan
The evacuation warning is just one piece of a broader seven-measure preparedness plan the government has rolled out, developed jointly by national and county government agencies, humanitarian partners, security agencies and other disaster management stakeholders under what's being called a National Contingency Plan.
Beyond evacuation, the plan includes hotspot mapping to pinpoint the areas most vulnerable to flooding; unclogging and desilting of drainage systems, culverts and water channels; inspection of bridges, roads and critical infrastructure in flood-prone zones; monitoring of water levels in rivers, dams and other water bodies; strengthening of community-based early warning systems through chiefs, assistant chiefs and Nyumba Kumi structures; and public sensitisation campaigns on how to act before, during and after heavy rainfall. Rapid response teams have also been placed on standby for search, rescue and evacuation operations, alongside pre-positioned emergency supplies including food, non-food items and medical supplies.
Where the Risk Is Highest
Using its hotspot mapping, the Ministry has flagged several categories of high-risk areas to guide preparedness and response: riverine and low-lying areas, coastal regions, highland and landslide-prone zones, arid and semi-arid lands, northern Kenya, and urban areas prone to flooding. Roads and transport infrastructure likely to be affected have also been identified across North Eastern, Tana River, Coastal, Western/Nyanza, Rift Valley, Turkana, Nairobi, Central and Eastern regions.
Some regions may not even have to wait for October — Western, Nyanza and North Eastern are expected to see an early onset of the rains, according to the Ministry.
A Reminder That Risk Remains
Despite the extensive preparations, the Ministry was careful to temper any sense of false security. "Heavy rainfall rapidly overwhelms our drainage systems, rivers and critical infrastructure, particularly in areas already identified as vulnerable," the Ministry cautioned, warning that the rains could still lead to displacement, loss of livelihoods, infrastructure damage, and in severe cases, loss of life.
"While these measures are in place, the government urges members of the public to remain vigilant and take the necessary precautions, particularly those living in areas vulnerable to flooding, landslides and other rain-related hazards," the Ministry added.
Kenyans have also been asked to play their part by reporting blocked drainage systems, rising water levels, damaged infrastructure and other emerging hazards to the relevant authorities as the short rains season approaches.