Nairobi: Nakuru County has activated an Ad Hoc Committee on El Ni±o Preparedness and Response to coordinate Kenya’s response to the forecast moderate-to-strong El Ni±o rains expected later this year. The committee, chaired by County Commissioner Dr Lyford Kibaara, will oversee the implementation of urgent preparedness measures aimed at minimizing the impact of flooding and other climate-related disasters associated with the anticipated heavy rains.
According to Kenya News Agency, Dr Kibaara assured residents that the multi-agency team was laying down adequate measures in anticipation of the El Ni±o rains expected between October and December this year. The administrator explained that the committee, co-chaired by Nakuru County Secretary Dr Samuel Maina, had activated relevant State agencies and county departments in conjunction with the State Department for Special Programmes and humanitarian agencies to ensure that in the event of the forecasted rains, they are not caught flatfooted.
Speaking after a meeting to deliberate on the County’s preparedness and coordinated response to the anticipated 2026/2027 El Ni±o season and other disasters, Dr Kibaara indicated that they had held discussions on mapping the internal resources available within committee members, mitigation measures, the relay of information to the public, strengthening interdepartmental coordination, and identifying priority interventions.
Scientists contend that El Ni±o, as part of a larger climate cycle, is a naturally occurring climate phenomenon characterized by the abnormal warming of the Pacific Sea surface temperatures. The World Meteorological Association warns that the El Ni±o climate phenomenon could bring droughts, flooding, heat waves, and displacement of people around the world later this year.
The national government has also activated an Ad Hoc Cabinet Committee on El Ni±o preparedness that will support the County governments. Dr Kibaara stated that early preparedness and timely action remained essential in reducing the impacts of El Ni±o rains, thus averting humanitarian crises and protecting livelihoods. The committee will also coordinate farmer advisories to help cushion the agricultural sector from potential losses.
A new report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP) warns that millions of people could face threats to their food supplies and livelihoods unless governments and aid agencies act early. The report says Kenya is among countries facing a high risk of climate-related shocks linked to El Ni±o between late 2026 and early 2027.
For Kenya and other countries in Eastern Africa, the report warns that the biggest threat is likely to be unusually heavy rainfall and flooding. It notes that El Ni±o affects different parts of Eastern Africa in different ways. While some areas may experience reduced rainfall, countries in the Horn of Africa, including Kenya, face a greater risk of floods.
County Secretary Dr Maina disclosed that the devolved unit’s Department of Health had set up well-equipped isolation and holding areas in several sub-counties, trained health workers, activated a surveillance team, and begun sensitizing citizens on the Ebola virus. He added that the Department of Agriculture was conducting a maize crop assessment, following cases of fog and pests threatening the crop’s growth, which poses a risk to many families, as maize is both a staple food and a cash crop for many. Dr Maina further indicated that the Department of Infrastructure will soon undertake hazard mapping to identify risk-prone areas across the county.
