Kiambu:The county has intensified its preparedness for the expected El Ni±o rains by clearing drainage systems and educating residents in flood-prone areas to mitigate the potential impact of flooding.
According to Kenya News Agency, Kiambu Municipality Manager Ruth Waweru stated that the county has implemented measures to safeguard residents and reduce damage during the upcoming rainy season. The county is working with the Kenya National Highways Authority (KENHA) to clear drainage systems, ensuring efficient water flow. Through this collaboration, casual workers and businessmen are participating in consultative forums to find ways to prevent blockages in drainage channels in both residential and commercial areas.
Waweru emphasized the importance of keeping tunnels and drainage systems clean, warning that anyone found diverting sewage into government tunnels will face prosecution. Additionally, the municipality is running public awareness campaigns aimed at residents in low-lying, flood-vulnerable areas, urging them to evacuate early and move to higher ground when necessary.
She further confirmed that in areas most likely to be affected, evacuations will be enforced to prioritize the safety of residents, who can return once conditions are deemed safe. Emergency hotlines have been established for residents to contact the fire department, hospitals, ambulance services, and county disaster response teams during emergencies.
The Kenya Meteorological Department has forecasted above-average rainfall across Kiambu and much of the country during the October-December 2026 short rains season, promising timely updates for better preparation.
