East Africa Legislative Assembly MP Winnie Odinga has questioned whether Kenya is prepared for the El Nino rains which the weatherman has said are soon coming.
Winnie on Friday said the reports have indicated that the country will experience long rains till January.
"The weatherman said we won’t see the sun until January. Has there been any update from the relevant bodies on El Niño preparedness?" she posed.
Winnie questioned whether the county governments have started moving residents from landslide-prone areas.
She also questioned if there are any efforts to avert floods with the coming long rains.
"County governments digging up clogged drainage, movement of people from landslide-prone areas, flood aversion strategies, school safety, Loss of harvest. Basically, what’s the plan?" she posed.
The meteorological department said above-average rain is expected in various parts of the country in October-November-December.
Kenya Meteorological Department Director David Gikungu said the rains will lead to floods, post-harvest losses and displacement of communities, according to the latest forecast shared.
“The highest seasonal rainfall amounts (greater than 700mm) are normally recorded over the Central highlands,” it said during the 7th National Climate Outlook forum panel discussion on the changing disaster response strategies in Nairobi on August 30, 2023.
Gikungu also indicated that there is a high probability that some counties in the Northeastern region are likely to experience above-average rainfall.
“This will be driven by warmer than average Sea Surface Temperatures (SSTs) over the Central and Eastern Equatorial Pacific Ocean indicating the presence of El Niño conditions. According to most of the global climate models, El Niño conditions are likely to persist throughout the season,” he said.
Gikungu said Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, Baringo, Uasin Gishu, West Pokot, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi, Kericho, Bungoma, Kakamega, Busia, Trans Nzoia, West Pokot, Vihiga, Laikipia (Laikipia West), Nakuru and Narok counties will receive rains.
“The expected rainfall is likely to be above the long-term average amounts for the season (enhanced rainfall). The peak of the season is expected in November. The expected rainfall is likely to be poorly distributed in October, and well distributed in November and December,” Gikungu said.
Experts have also predicted floods in major towns such as Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru and Naivasha.
During the enhanced rains, some small earth dams and pans will be affected.
Other negative impacts of the rains include the spread of pests and diseases, pre and post-harvest losses and displacement of communities.
A spike in vector-borne diseases is also expected.
