A special Cabinet committee has been established to coordinate Kenya's preparedness and response to the forecasted El-Nino rains , expected to arrive later this year.

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The decision, which was approved during a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, June 30, forms part of the government's efforts to strengthen the country's readiness for climate-related disasters.

According to the Cabinet dispatch, the Ad Hoc Cabinet Committee on El Niño Preparedness and Response will be chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and will oversee the implementation of measures aimed at reducing the impact of the anticipated rains.

Following the cabinet approval, the committee is set to immediately activate a national El Niño Contingency Plan to coordinate preparedness efforts across government agencies before the onset of the heavy rains.

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The contingency plan includes flood mitigation measures, evacuation and shelter arrangements for affected communities, and the clearance of drainage systems to reduce the risk of flooding.

Further, the government will also reinforce vulnerable roads and bridges to minimise disruptions to transport and safeguard critical infrastructure during the rainy season.

Emergency equipment and medical supplies will also be pre-positioned in strategic locations to facilitate rapid response in the event of flooding and other weather-related emergencies.

Cabinet further directed that farmer advisories be issued to help the agricultural sector prepare for the anticipated weather conditions and minimise potential losses.

A contingency fund will be established to finance relief operations, recovery efforts and rehabilitation programmes in areas affected by the anticipated El Niño rains.

Earlier in June, the Kenya Meteorological Service Authority (KMSA) raised an early alert over the anticipated El Niño, warning that the country could experience a sharp swing from dry conditions in mid-year to potentially heavy rainfall and flooding towards the end of the year.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke