NAIROBI, Kenya, Sep 1— The government has warned that Kenya remains at significant risk of flooding, displacement and loss of life as the country prepares for the expected El Niño rains, despite intensified measures to strengthen disaster preparedness.

📻 Breaking It Down

The Ministry of Interior and National Administration said the October–December (OND) rains are expected to bring above-normal rainfall across most parts of the country, with some counties in Western/Nyanza and North Eastern regions likely to experience an early onset.

The government said heavy rains could overwhelm drainage systems, rivers and critical infrastructure, particularly in areas already identified as vulnerable.

“Preparedness should not be mistaken for an absence of risk,” the Ministry said in a press statement issued on Tuesday.

📌 What You Need to Know

It warned that the anticipated impacts include flooding, drowning, injuries and fatalities, displacement and isolation of communities, disease outbreaks and disruption of essential services.

The rains could also damage roads and other critical infrastructure while causing losses to crops, livestock and livelihoods.

The government has consequently activated a National Contingency Plan developed with national and county government agencies, humanitarian partners, security agencies and other disaster management stakeholders.

Under the plan, authorities have mapped flood and disaster hotspots to guide evacuation, preparedness and emergency response.

The priority areas include riverine and low-lying settlements, coastal areas, highland and landslide-prone zones, arid and semi-arid lands, northern Kenya and urban areas susceptible to flooding.

Roads and transport infrastructure at risk have also been identified across North Eastern, Tana River, Coastal, Western/Nyanza, Rift Valley, Turkana, Nairobi, Central and Eastern regions.

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya