KHRC warns El Niño could trigger fresh human rights crisis as 80% of Kenya faces flood risk
The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) has warned that the anticipated El Niño rains could trigger a fresh human rights crisis if the government fails to put the protection of vulnerable communities at the centre of its disaster preparedness and response. The commission, in a statement issued on Monday, September 28, 2026, called on the […]
The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) has issued an urgent warning about the potential impact of El Niño rains on human rights in Kenya. The commission fears that inadequate disaster preparedness could lead to further violations of vulnerable communities' rights as 80% of the country faces a significant risk of severe flooding.
KHRC emphasizes that emergency measures such as evacuations and relocation, if implemented improperly, could expose people to human rights abuses. The commission calls on the government to prioritize human rights in its response to the expected above-average rainfall between late September and December 2026. KHRC cites the 2024 floods as an example of how emergency measures can disproportionately affect marginalized communities, citing deaths, displacement, damage to infrastructure, and impacts on education.
The commission is particularly concerned about the proper conduct of evacuation and relocation operations, urging authorities to avoid forced evictions and ensure that marginalized groups are not disproportionately burdened by the government's response. KHRC demands community monitoring of emergency interventions and emphasizes the need to protect essential services during the crisis.
The warning is backed by assessments from the Kenya Red Cross and the World Health Organization, which both highlight the country's vulnerability to above-average rainfall in the upcoming rainy season.
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.
