Environment PS Flags New High-Risk Areas as El Niño Rains Approach

Jukwaa

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

Environment and Climate Change Principal Secretary Festus Ng’eno held talks on Friday, August 28, with the Italian Ambassador to Kenya, Vincenzo Del Monaco, and an EU delegation led by Deputy Head of Mission Ondrej Simek, over the worsening situation.

The PS disclosed that the meeting focused on measures to strengthen preparedness and resilience among communities living around the affected lakes and their ecosystems.

“Of particular concern is the potential impact of the anticipated El Niño conditions, which could bring increased rainfall and further exacerbate the situation in areas already experiencing elevated lake levels. This calls for strengthened preparedness and proactive measures to mitigate potential impacts,” he said.

📌 What You Need to Know

To support mitigation efforts, the EU is backing a climate resilience programme in the Lake Baringo watershed aimed at improving the capacity of communities and institutions to respond to climate-related risks.

Ng’eno said the expanding lakes are affecting livelihoods, settlements, infrastructure and ecosystems in surrounding areas, calling for stronger early-warning systems to help communities respond promptly to changing conditions.

The PS also stressed the need for government agencies and development partners to coordinate interventions and rely on evidence when planning responses.

The talks come as Kenya prepares for above-average rainfall during the October-December season amid intensifying El Niño conditions.

The Kenya Meteorological Service Authority (KEMSA) has warned that some counties, including Baringo, could begin receiving rains as early as September .

The forecast has increased concern in areas already experiencing the effects of elevated lake levels and flooding.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke

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