- The government has intensified disaster preparedness as the October–December rainy season approaches.
- Authorities are identifying flood-prone areas and strengthening early-warning and emergency response mechanisms nationwide.
- Kenyans living along rivers and other vulnerable areas have been urged to relocate early.
The government has stepped up preparedness measures ahead of the October–November–December (OND) 2026 rains, warning Kenyans to prepare for possible flooding, landslides and disruption of essential services.
In a statement issued on Thursday, September 17, Government Spokesperson Charles Owino Wahong’o said authorities were closely monitoring the evolving weather situation as the rainy season approaches.
“We are urging Kenyans to remain vigilant and take early precautions to protect lives, property and livelihoods,” Wahong’o said.
The Kenya Meteorological Department will continue monitoring weather conditions and issuing forecasts and advisories to guide preparedness and response at both national and county levels.
The government said it was particularly concerned about the possibility of heavy rainfall in some areas, which could trigger flooding and landslides, disrupt transport and essential services, damage infrastructure and displace vulnerable households.
Multi-agency response activated
According to the statement, ministries, departments and agencies are working with county governments, humanitarian organisations and development partners to strengthen multi-agency preparedness and response mechanisms.
Authorities are also carrying out risk assessments, identifying vulnerable and flood-prone areas, preparing emergency response measures and strengthening early-warning communication to communities.
“The Government will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide timely updates as weather conditions evolve,” Wahong’o said.
People living in flood-prone areas, particularly along rivers and other vulnerable locations, have been advised to take precautionary measures before the rains intensify.
“Residents occupying riparian reserves are strongly advised to relocate voluntarily to safer areas before heavy rains set in, as a precaution against flooding,” the statement said.
The public has also been warned against crossing flooded rivers, roads and bridges or walking and driving through moving floodwater.
Parents and guardians have been asked to keep children away from flooded areas and water bodies, while households should secure important documents, property and livestock where possible.
Kenyans have further been urged to stay away from riverbanks and drainage channels, follow evacuation instructions issued by authorised agencies and report emergencies promptly to the relevant authorities.
The government said communities should work closely with local administrators, county governments and disaster-response teams to identify vulnerable people and support early evacuation where necessary.
“The Government calls on all Kenyans to make preparedness a shared responsibility,” Wahong’o said.
He also urged members of the public to rely on information released through official government channels and avoid circulating unverified information as weather conditions develop.
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The government said it would continue monitoring the OND rainfall situation and provide regular updates to the public.
“Early warning must translate into early action,” Wahong’o said.
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