- In Western Kenya communities along lakes and rivers in HomaBay, Siaya, Busia, Nyando, Nyakach, Muhoroni are likely to experience flooding.
- Other low-lying areas at risk of floods are Migori, Kakamega and Vihiga if the quantity of daily precipitation increases beyond the prevailing levels.
The government has listed areas which are likely to experience flooding ahead of the long rains.
In a statement on Wednesday, Interior CS Kithure Kindiki said areas along the lakes and rivers, low-laying areas and places with poor drainage are prone to flooding.
In Western Kenya communities along lakes and rivers in HomaBay, Siaya, Busia, Nyando, Nyakach and Muhoroni are likely to experience flooding.
Other low-lying areas to receive flooding in Migori, Kakamega, and Vihiga risk flooding if the quantity of daily precipitation increases beyond the prevailing levels.
Other low-lying areas at risk of flooding are Narok, Kajiado, and Mombasa.
Kindiki added that hilly areas traditionally prone to mudslides include Makueni, Nyeri, Murang’a and West Pokot Counties.
Kindiki said that the weather forecast for the ongoing long rains presents the potential for flooding.
He added that it may require issuing evacuation orders in various parts of the country to secure public safety.
He also said that urban areas with clogged or poor drainage and public or private water reservoirs across the country may also flood if the precipitation continues uninterrupted in the coming days.
"The risk of significant flooding in various parts of the country has put the Government on high alert. Accordingly, the public is hereby notified to exercise caution, plan their movements and avoid risky behaviour in moving waters," he said.
He said the government has taken measures to ensure public security and safety and is prepared to mitigate any adverse effects of flooding in the country.
On Wednesday, the National Disaster Operations Centre (NDOC) at the Ministry of Interior and National Administration reconvened the Multi-Agency Disaster Management Team.
The team was established during the 2023 El Nino rains to ensure a coordinated, whole-of-government approach to monitor and organise government response programmes.
Kindiki further added that the Kenya Red Cross Society and relevant national and international humanitarian agencies have been co-opted to work with the government to provide a coordinated response.
He directed the County Security and Intelligence Teams across the country to work with county governments to monitor and report situations.
Kindiki said that they will also support the interventions of stakeholders to ensure that the country mitigates against loss of human or livestock life and the destruction of public or private property.
"Should the situation demand, the government will issue mandatory evacuation orders in specific areas in the interest of public safety," Kindiki added.