Preparing for El Nino: Lessons from 1997 Must Drive Action Today

Scientists and Kenyan meteorologists are warning that the El Nino weather pattern is expected to re-emerge between September 2026 and January 2027, following early rains in 2026 that claimed over 100 lives. National meteorological authorities have modeled this advance notice with high precision, but the real value lies in the preparation it enables.

Reflecting on the 1997 El Nino, a severe event that left over 1,000 people dead, thousands of animals dead, and caused billions in property damage, Dr. Geoffrey Onditi recalls vividly how the disaster claimed more than 300,000 Kenyans and displaced many more. In the past three decades, Kenya's population has more than doubled, with urbanization fueled by rural migration creating densely packed cities like Nairobi with precarious infrastructure.

The primary concern remains insufficient drainage systems that turn roads into torrents during heavy rains. While government initiatives to clear and maintain drainage channels are commendable, they require modern engineering to cope with the increased rainfall. Equally important, citizens must complement these efforts with responsible actions such as proper waste disposal to avoid clogging drainage systems.

Moreover, the El Nino rains should be seen as an opportunity to harvest water for future use, especially in the arid regions. National and county governments, along with households, must invest in rainwater harvesting technologies to capitalize on the surplus and secure themselves against the inevitable drought that follows the El Nino disaster.