The multi-stakeholders meeting aimed at discussing the country’s preparedness to handle El Nino will be held on Thursday at 10am, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has said.
The meeting according to Gachagua seeks to ensure the country is fully prepared to handle El Nino and other emergencies that might arise from that.
Gachagua was speaking on Monday at Uhuru Park during the flag-off of Community Health Promoters kits to counties.
Those expected to attend the meeting include officials from the Kenya Metrological Department, the National Drought Management Authority, the Kenya Defence Forces, the National Police Service, humanitarian agencies like the Red Cross, international organisations, development partners and all the 47 county governors.
Various ministries will also be taking part in the deliberations.
They include the National Treasury due to the financial implications, the Ministry of Water and Sanitation as well as the ministries of Environment, Agriculture and Livestock, ASAL, Interior and Health.
“I have convened this Thursday at 10am the national emergency response committee so that we can now discuss the level of preparedness so that we don’t get caught flat-footed,” Gachagua said.
“We need to work together between the national government and the counties so that as a country we prepare for the challenges that will come with El Nino,” the DP added.
He noted that there is enough information to enable everyone to prepare for any eventuality, including those living in areas prone to flooding.
Already, the Ministry of Health has formed Emergency Rapid Response Teams in anticipation of the predicted El Nino rains.
The teams, according to the ministry will be key in providing technical assistance and strengthening and supporting counties in the formation of their response teams.
PS Public Health Mary Muthoni last week said this is part of the ministry’s comprehensive Contingency Plan for ElNino.
Muthoni said the Rapid Response Teams will conduct rapid initial assessments and plan for effective responses, forecasting post-flood recovery efforts and building back better in areas requiring health system restoration.
Already, the ministry has conducted health facility capacity preparedness and sensitization to address the expected surge in flood-related accidents, and waterborne diarrheal diseases and the impact it might have on the continuous provision of essential healthcare services.
“Sensitisation and response strategies for water-related vector-borne illnesses, including Rift Valley Hemorrhagic fever, Dengue fever, Chikungunya, Malaria and others have been finalised,” Muthoni said.
In addition, communities are being sensitised on response plans for diseases like diarrheal diseases.
