NAIROBI,Kenya Aug 31 – Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has warned Kenyans to brace for potentially difficult months as the country heads into the October-December rainy season, urging residents in flood-prone areas to move to safety before heavy rains begin.

📻 Breaking It Down

Sakaja said preparations were already under way in Nairobi and called on Kenyans to take personal responsibility for preventing flooding, particularly by keeping drainage channels and roads free of waste.

The governor spoke in Kakamega on Sunday, where he said weather authorities had forecast an El Niño season beginning in October.

“We are going into tough times. The Meteorological Department has announced that there will be an El Niño season starting in October, next month,” Sakaja said.

📌 What You Need to Know

He said the warning should prompt Kenyans to act early rather than wait for flooding to occur before seeking help.

Sakaja said Nairobi had begun preparations through a joint operation involving county disaster-response teams, Kenya Red Cross officials and engineers.

According to the governor, the teams are clearing and improving drainage infrastructure in areas considered vulnerable to flooding, including widening and deepening waterways and removing blockages.

But he said the effectiveness of those interventions would depend partly on the behaviour of residents.

“The government has done its part. We have brought together our disaster teams, the Red Cross and engineers to carry out the necessary work. But as citizens, we must also understand our responsibility,” he said.

Sakaja particularly warned against dumping rubbish on roads and into drainage channels, saying blocked waterways could worsen flooding when the rains intensify.

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya