Kindiki calls for urgent preparations ahead of El Niño rains

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has urged national and county governments to expedite preparations for the impending El Niño rains, in order to minimize the potential impact of flooding and other rain-related emergencies. During the 30th Ordinary Session of the Intergovernmental Budget and Economic Council (IBEC) on Monday, August 24, 2026, Kindiki addressed the two levels of government coordinating their efforts to adequately prepare the country.

Kindiki urged county disaster preparedness steering committees to promptly become fully operational and ready for possible emergencies, stating, “I am requesting the county steering committees on the matter of disaster preparedness to get engaged and be up and running as soon as possible.” The national government is holding regular meetings to ensure it remains vigilant against the anticipated rains, according to Kindiki.

To mitigate the consequences of the rains, the government plans to preposition food and non-food relief supplies in areas likely to be affected. Kindiki emphasized that the supplies must be moved closer to vulnerable communities before the rains commence to enable a swifter response in case of emergencies. He also acknowledged the assistance from the National Treasury in ensuring the government is adequately prepared for the anticipated weather conditions.

Kindiki highlighted the importance of unclogging drainage systems and preparing infrastructure in areas that might experience flooding. A drainage program is already underway in Nairobi, and the government intends to collaborate with other counties deemed potentially vulnerable to the effects of El Niño. Kindiki promised to convene another meeting with approximately 18 counties identified as likely areas that could be impacted by the rains, including Mombasa, and called for all relevant government agencies to collaborate ahead of the rains.