In the city of Nairobi, a looming gray cloud on the horizon is enough to set everyone into a flurry of preparations.
Rain is both a blessing and a challenge in the city. It kills down dust while also posing a test for the city's infrastructure and its residents’ resilience.
According to the UN Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), 60 per cent of Nairobi’s population lives on five per cent of the land. The city’s overcrowded settlements make them particularly vulnerable to flooding, and disease outbreaks.
So how should city residents prepare for the coming El Niño rains?
Lucy Wairimu lives in Riruta Satelite, a rapidly urbanising estate in the Dagoretti constituency.
She explained, “We received the message from weather people that from October there will be floods. When we got the message, we checked the drainage for our house.”
In 1997, Wairimu was 40 years old with young children. Her husband, now deceased, worked with the Nairobi City County. She lost all her goats, which she could legally keep, to the historic El Niño rains.
Her wooden house was also destroyed in a downpour in November 1997.
“Now I have grandchildren, I don’t want to go through it,” she says.
Wairimu is referring to the announcement by the Igad Climate Predictions and Adaptations Centre, that the El Niño-related rains this year, will match that of 1997.
“My grandchildren were vaccinated against cholera two weeks ago,” she says.
According to the Ministry of Health, flooding always brings communicable diseases such as cholera.
“Because of the El Niño that has been announced that may happen in September you realise that it is going to be very wet and there is going to be probably water that is flowing and it would be important that we get prepared,” Health PS Mary Muthoni said.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (Ocha) advises Kenyans to keep an eye on weather forecasts, especially during the rainy season, to be aware of potential heavy rainfall or flood warnings.
They can also sign up for emergency alerts and notifications from local authorities and weather services.
People should also create an emergency kit with essentials such as non-perishable food, bottled water, medications, first aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, a battery-powered radio, and important documents.
James Oketch, a civil engineer with Tryworld Systems in Nairobi, advises Kenyans to also elevate electrical systems.
“They should raise electrical switches, sockets, circuit breakers, and wiring to a level above the expected flood levels to prevent electrical damage,” he says.
Oketch also advises people to keep important documents, photographs, and valuables in waterproof containers and store them in a safe place.
“Regularly clean gutters and drains to ensure water can flow freely and reduce the risk of localised flooding,” he said.
“Seal any cracks or openings in your home's foundation to prevent water from seeping in.”
He said another thing to consider is to know your estate’s evacuation routes and have a plan in place for where you will go if you need to evacuate.
According to the Kenya Red Cross, in potential emergencies, people should keep a charged mobile phone, preferably mulika mwizi, and have a list of emergency contacts.
“Stay connected with your neighbours and local community, as they can provide support during emergencies,” the Red Cross says.
“Remember that safety is the top priority during flooding. If authorities recommend evacuation, it's important to follow their instructions. Flooding can be extremely dangerous, so it's crucial to take the necessary precautions and be prepared.”
