The Interior Ministry has flagged 18 counties as high-risk zones ahead of the anticipated El Niño rains in 2026, warning of floods, disease outbreaks and food shortages.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

From a notice obtained by  Kenyans.co.ke on August 10, Nairobi features prominently on that list, with the Interior Ministry citing urban flooding, blocked drainage systems and strained infrastructure as major concerns for the capital.

Down at the Coastal Region, Tana River, Kilifi, Lamu, Mombasa and Kwale County have also been marked as vulnerable, given their exposure to heavy rains and rising sea levels.

The ministry expects these coastal counties to grapple with flooding, storm surges, coastal erosion, damaged infrastructure and displacement of residents once the rains intensify.

📌 What You Need to Know

Over in the Lake Basin region, Kisumu, Busia, Siaya, Homa Bay and Migori County have been placed under close watch as the season approaches.

According to the Interior, these countries face a mix of flooding, landslides, disease outbreaks, waterborne illnesses and possible displacement of families.

Beyond Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu have jointly been classified as urban centers facing similar strain, with drainage blockages expected to disrupt normal city life.

The ministry noted that service disruptions and infrastructure pressure could hit these three cities hardest once the rains peak in the coming months.

Further drought-hit counties such as Turkana, Baringo, West Pokot and Narok in the Rift Valley region are staring at a tricky mix of drought and flooding threats.

Livestock losses, landslides and food insecurity are expected to weigh heavily on communities across this vast and largely pastoral region.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke