NYERI, Kenya, Sep 5 — Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni has assured Kenyans of a coordinated response to potential health risks linked to the expected El Niño conditions, citing an existing inter-ministerial committee chaired by the Deputy President.

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Muthoni, who spoke in Nyeri on Saturday during the Jamii Imara Mashinani tour, said the committee was already working on preparedness measures and coordinating advisories to county governments, particularly on health-related risks.

“There is an inter-ministerial committee that is chaired by the Deputy President which is already active,” Muthoni said.

She said the health sector was advising counties on infrastructure that needs strengthening, emergency preparedness and the need to mobilise resources to respond to potential health emergencies.

📌 What You Need to Know

The advisories also cover personal hygiene, environmental hygiene, water and sanitation, she said, as authorities seek to minimise the risk of disease outbreaks associated with heavy rains.

Kenya Met forecasts above-average rains, prolonged wet spells

Muthoni urged counties to take early action on infrastructure that could worsen the impact of heavy rainfall, including blocked drainage systems.

“Drainages that need to be unclogged early enough that can let water through,” she said.

She said Kenya had systems and experience to draw on in responding to such weather-related challenges.

“This is not the first time that we are getting these kind of issues,” Muthoni said.

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya