Kenya is preparing for a new episode of heavy rainfall. The government has activated a national emergency plan aimed at strengthening prevention and response capacities in the face of rains associated with the El Niño phenomenon.
In a statement published on Tuesday, September 1, the Ministry of Interior and National Administration said that authorities expect above-normal rainfall across much of the country between October and December.
Faced with this risk, the government intends to strengthen prevention and emergency response measures immediately in order to limit the impact of potential flooding and other weather-related disasters.
The plan is based on seven priority measures. These include mapping risk-prone areas, preparing for the evacuation of vulnerable populations, and strengthening community-level early warning systems.
The authorities also plan to place rapid response teams on alert, so that they can intervene quickly if weather conditions deteriorate.
Through this plan, Nairobi is focusing on anticipation to protect populations and reduce the human and material consequences of a potential episode of intense rainfall.