- Migori County has ruled out using schools as flood rescue centres to safeguard the upcoming examination period.
- Authorities have identified the Red Cross offices and Migori County Referral Hospital as command centres for disaster response.
- The county has also set aside Sh29 million and has begun mapping flood-prone areas ahead of anticipated El Niño rains.
Migori County has stepped up preparations for the anticipated El Niño rains, with authorities identifying public spaces, churches and hospitals that could be converted into emergency rescue centres and coordination points for flood victims.
However, schools will not be used as rescue centres this year, breaking from a practice where learning institutions have previously provided temporary refuge to people displaced by floods.
The decision has been influenced by the expected examination period, with authorities keen to ensure emergency response operations do not interfere with the administration of the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) and Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations.
Migori County Commissioner Kisilu Mutua said two command centres had already been identified to coordinate disaster response.
“We have identified two centres which will be our command centres; they include Red Cross offices and the Migori County Referral Hospital,” Mutua said.
The referral hospital was selected partly because heavy rains could trigger secondary emergencies, including outbreaks of waterborne diseases and other health-related complications.
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The county has also started mapping areas considered vulnerable to flooding and other risks associated with heavy rainfall, with particular attention being given to mining areas, riverbanks and low-lying sections bordering Lake Victoria.
Mutua identified Nyatike, Uriri and Suna East, particularly areas along the Migori, Kuja and Oyani rivers, as some of the areas likely to experience significant flooding.
The county has set aside Sh29 million for preparedness, with food and non-food items, including mosquito nets and blankets, being mobilised for use during emergencies.
Authorities are also working with partners to strengthen the county’s capacity to respond to floods and other disasters. They have appealed to well-wishers and development partners to provide tents in areas where large numbers of victims may require temporary shelter.
The county administration is seeking support from humanitarian organisations, government agencies and other partners to supplement available resources.
A geospatial team is expected to play a key role in mapping flood hotspots and other vulnerable locations to help authorities plan their response.
The Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA) and Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) have also been requested to clear blocked culverts along roads before heavy rains set in.
Mutua said the county would intensify public awareness campaigns, with residents receiving information on precautionary measures to take during periods of heavy rainfall.
He added that early coordination would help identify suitable alternatives for learners from flood-prone areas, ensuring they can continue with their education without being affected by emergencies.
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Migori Kenya Red Cross Coordinator Marselah Nekesa identified parts of Nyatike as vulnerable because of their low-lying terrain.
“The priority is to establish rescue centres that are not only safe but also accessible to affected persons,” Nekesa said.
South Nyanza Meteorological Officer Naphtali Odoch said the region should prepare for an extended period of increased rainfall from later this month through January.
The preparations come as the county seeks to minimise the impact of flooding while protecting essential services and ensuring learning institutions remain available for examinations.
By Lizzy Aluga
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