DP Kindiki leads national drive to brace for El Niño rains
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has assured Kenyans that the government has stepped up preparedness measures ahead of the anticipated El Niño rains expected later this year, saying all relevant agencies are working together to minimize disruption and protect lives.
Speaking after being appointed to lead the government’s preparedness efforts, Kindiki said there was no cause for alarm, emphasising that the administration is taking early action following weather forecasts indicating a high probability of above-normal rainfall between October and December.
“We assure the country that there is no need to panic. We are engaging all the ministries, departments, agencies and all state organs to ensure that in the event of the rains, the country is prepared and we are not caught by surprise,” the Deputy President said.
His remarks come days after a Cabinet meeting chaired by President William Ruto on June 30, where the government established an Ad Hoc Cabinet Committee on El Niño Preparedness and Response.
The committee, chaired by Kindiki, has been tasked with coordinating national preparedness and ensuring a swift, coordinated response before and during the rainy season.
Kindiki said the committee will work closely with ministries, county governments and other state agencies to reduce the impact of heavy rains on transport, public health and essential services.
“We will take action to make sure that there is no disruption of civic order, disruption of movement of goods and services and public health concerns. We will also take preventive action in areas prone to mudslides, landslides and floods to prevent loss of human lives and any other disruptive occurrences associated with El Niño rains,” he said.
Meteorological forecasts have identified Kenya among countries likely to experience moderate-to-strong El Niño conditions later this year, raising concerns over flooding and other weather-related emergencies.
