Nairobi: Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir has put county and national agencies in the coastal region on high alert ahead of what he described as one of the heaviest rainy seasons the region has ever recorded for a long time. The Governor noted there is a 98 per cent probability of significantly above-average rainfall this season, projected to run from around the end of this month through roughly three months, tapering off by January or February, with accumulations that could reach up to 680 millimeters of rainfall.
According to Kenya News Agency, Nassir emphasized that this is one of the largest rainfall events in quantity within Mombasa and Kenya in general. He added that the coming season would also bring extremely warm temperatures. He warned that the humidity levels will be higher than normal and a more rapid and more intense natural weather changes than usual.
The Governor said he had personally discussed the response with the Deputy President to strengthen cooperation between national and county governments. He laid out three priorities: to ensure that lives are saved, to save property where it is savable, and to prevent any form of harm and destruction rather than waiting for damage to occur before taking action.
He mentioned that the Kenya Navy, road agencies, and county teams have already begun joint preparedness work. Stalled stormwater drainage projects, delayed in part by unresolved access to public land, were flagged as a major vulnerability. Public works crews have devised a temporary interim fix while permanent works continue.
Nassir stated that the county has identified social halls to be used as rescue centers should residents need to be evacuated. Teams are mapping out bottleneck areas where floodwater is expected to collect and pass, alongside an ongoing exercise to clear and de-silt drainages.
On the issue of plastic waste blocking drains, the Governor appealed to residents to stop dumping bottles and bags in the streets. Motorists were urged to watch for official notices on which roads remain passable during the rains, to avoid getting stranded or attempting flooded routes.
The Governor further stated that the health sector, the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), firefighters, and other uniformed services have all been placed on alert to respond as needed once the rains begin. Addressing county health workers, he reassured staff that no one will lose their jobs as long as they fulfill their obligations, despite planned changes to employment letters this week.
He added that the county is making necessary arrangements, working together with key stakeholders and partners, including the Kenya Red Cross, to mitigate the effects of the anticipated rainfall.
