The Kenyan government has directed all sub-counties nationwide to establish public information desks, emergency response stations, and assistance centres as heavy rainfall continues to impact several regions across the country.
The directive follows warnings from the Kenya Meteorological Department indicating that intense rainfall is expected to persist in most parts of the country. The continued downpours have heightened the risk of flooding, swollen rivers, and disruptions to transport and daily activities.
Government Response to the Ongoing Weather Emergency
In a statement, Geoffrey Ruku, Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, said the government is taking coordinated steps to strengthen disaster preparedness and response.
Through the State Department for Special Programmes, the Ministry is overseeing nationwide efforts to manage the impacts of the ongoing weather emergency, including disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.
Ruku directed that every sub-county must set up rapid response centres in each administrative division. These centres will serve as coordination points to provide immediate support and assistance to communities affected by the heavy rains.
“The Ministry urges all Kenyans to remain vigilant and exercise caution, especially on the roads, for their safety and that of other road users. Members of the public are also advised to avoid crossing rivers that may have swollen or broken their banks,” Ruku said.
Monitoring and Reporting of Affected Households
The Cabinet Secretary also instructed all Deputy County Commissioners to closely monitor developments within their jurisdictions. They are required to report the number of households affected by flooding or in need of emergency assistance.
The move is aimed at ensuring rapid deployment of relief support and improving coordination between national and local authorities.
Regions Expected to Receive Heavy Rainfall
According to the Meteorological Department, several counties are expected to experience above-average rainfall in the coming days.
In western and Rift Valley regions, counties likely to be affected include Nandi, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Siaya, Busia, Baringo, Nakuru, Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, and West Pokot.
Other counties expected to receive heavy rainfall include Kisii, Nyamira, Kericho, Bomet, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, and Narok.
In the southeastern region, Machakos, Kitui, Makueni, Kajiado, and Taita Taveta are also forecast to experience heavy showers.
Coastal counties including Mombasa, Kilifi, Lamu, Kwale, and Tana River have been flagged for potential downpours, while northern counties such as Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, Isiolo, Turkana, and Samburu are also expected to receive intense rainfall.
Nairobi Among the Hardest-Hit Areas
Authorities have reported that Nairobi has already been significantly affected by the ongoing rains. Heavy downpours have flooded roads across the capital, leaving some households stranded and others without shelter.
Multi-Agency Emergency Meeting Planned
To strengthen coordination and accelerate response efforts, the Cabinet Secretary announced that an emergency meeting would be held on Saturday morning involving several key government agencies and humanitarian organizations.
These include the National Police Service, National Youth Service, Kenya Red Cross Society, and St. John Ambulance Kenya.
Other agencies expected to participate in the meeting include the National Disaster Management Unit, the National Disaster Operations Centre, and the National Drought Management Authority.
Officials say the meeting will focus on strengthening national emergency response mechanisms and ensuring communities receive timely support as the country continues to experience heavy rains.
