Kenya Red Cross warns of funding gap as El Niño rains approach
The Kenya Red Cross Society is working to mobilise resources ahead of the expected October-December El Niño rains, but a huge gap remains in funding for early warning actions, Secretary General Ahmed Idris has said. Idris said the Red Cross was working with donors and development partners, with support from the United Nations Resident Coordinator, […]
The Kenya Red Cross Society is seeking additional funding to prepare for the anticipated El Niño rains expected between October and December, according to Secretary General Ahmed Idris. The Red Cross is working to secure resources to address early warning actions, but a significant funding gap remains, Idris stated in an interview on September 5, 2026.
The Red Cross is collaborating with donors and development partners, supported by the United Nations Resident Coordinator, to mobilize additional financing and assess risks before an emergency strikes. Authorities and humanitarian agencies anticipate the October-November-December season could bring above-normal rainfall, potentially leading to flooding, landslides, displacement, and disease outbreaks in 46 of Kenya's 47 counties.
While the exact size of the funding gap is undisclosed, Idris emphasized the critical need for early resources to respond to the anticipated emergencies. The Red Cross has already identified 227 flood hotspots in Nairobi, with 189 classified as high priority, as part of their preparedness efforts. Idris stressed that while warnings are essential, adequate resources for early action are equally crucial.
The immediate focus is on securing early resources, strengthening preparedness, and supporting vulnerable communities to mitigate the potential humanitarian risks associated with the expected rains.
Written by urgent.news from People Daily Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
