Kajiado: The Kajiado County Government has issued an alert to residents, urging them to prepare for the anticipated heavy rains expected to begin in the county between the second and third week of October. County Chief Officer for Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change, James Ngugi, emphasized the importance of disseminating this information to residents, particularly at the grassroots level, to ensure adequate preparation for the impending weather conditions.
According to Kenya News Agency, Ngugi highlighted the challenges posed by the heavy rains, recalling a section of the Nguruman road, which connects Pakaase to Magadi town, being cut off by floods on January 16, 2024. He urged livestock farmers to exercise caution during the rainy season by avoiding grazing animals near water sources to prevent them from being swept away by floodwaters. Additionally, Ngugi advised farmers to plant crop varieties, such as maize and beans, that can withstand heavy rainfall to secure a successful harvest.
Ngugi further urged residents living in riparian areas to relocate to safer zones before the rain onset to avert possible loss of life and property. He reassured the public that the county government is collaborating with national government agencies, including the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), to unclog drainage systems in urban centers and flood-prone areas. These measures aim to prevent flooding and mitigate the impact of heavy rains on the community and local businesses.
The chief officer called on residents to cooperate with the government by adopting precautionary measures, viewing the rains as an opportunity rather than a threat. ‘We are calling on everyone to cooperate with the government to ensure that the rains will be a blessing to everyone and not a curse,’ he stated.
Additionally, Ngugi mentioned that the county government had operationalized the Water Act, which focuses on the harvesting and conservation of rainwater for future use. He urged residents to comply with the act’s provisions by harvesting rainwater from rooftops and collecting surface runoff. Ngugi emphasized that water harvested during the rainy season would help provide adequate supplies for domestic use and livestock during dry periods.
He encouraged residents to make the most of the expected rains by conserving water while taking necessary precautions against flooding. Kenya faces a 90 percent likelihood of experiencing above-average to very high rainfall during the October, November, and December short rains season. With the assistance of government administration officers, the national government mandates all 47 counties to map flood-prone areas, identify safer evacuation grounds, and implement measures to protect lives, livelihoods, and critical infrastructure.
