Kitui:The Tana and Athi Rivers Development Authority (TARDA) has issued a warning regarding potential flood risks in Kitui County due to anticipated heavy rainfall during the October-November-December 2026 rainy season. This alert is part of an El Niño preparedness notice aimed at mitigating the impact of the expected weather conditions.
According to Kenya News Agency, TARDA has urged the county government, local administrators, disaster management committees, and relevant stakeholders to bolster measures to protect lives and livelihoods in anticipation of the upcoming heavy rains. The Kenya Meteorological Services Authority and the IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre have indicated a 99 percent probability of above-average rainfall affecting approximately 80 percent of the country from late September, with the peak expected in November.
The TARDA press release highlights Kitui County’s vulnerability due to its numerous seasonal rivers, such as Enziu, Tiva, Nzeeu, and Thua, which can quickly flood following heavy upstream rainfall. Areas identified as high-risk include Enziu River crossings and lower reaches in Mwingi North, Mwingi Central, and parts of Kitui East. The Tiva River corridor also faces moderate-to-high risk, covering parts of Mwingi West, Kitui Rural, and Kitui West.
The notice recalls the December 2021 Enziu River tragedy, where 32 people drowned when a bus was swept away by floodwaters. More recent incidents in April 2024 also resulted in fatalities. To avert similar tragedies, TARDA recommends enforcing no-crossing rules during and after rainfall and deploying enforcement officers at danger spots.
Sand harvesting, a major economic activity in Kitui, poses additional risks due to potential flash floods in riverbeds. TARDA suggests suspending or regulating this activity during heavy-rain warnings. Residents are also encouraged to prepare evacuation plans and emergency kits, while farmers are advised to safeguard livestock and grain from potential flooding.
For areas at moderate risk, the notice suggests marking and fencing rock-catchment dams and maintaining infrastructure like farm terraces and road drainage systems. Southern Kitui, including Mutha, Migwani, and Mumoni, are considered low flood-risk but are advised to monitor drought indicators.
TARDA emphasizes the importance of continuous monitoring and collaboration with various authorities to ensure effective communication and timely emergency information, particularly for people with disabilities and remote households. Public awareness campaigns through various channels are proposed to enhance community resilience against potential flooding.
