The weatherman has warned the country to brace for higher temperatures in the coming days amid a projected intensity of the ongoing rains.
According to the Kenya Meteorological department, high temperatures which are recently being recorded in most parts of the country would continue as the long rainy season starts.
This came as several government agencies warned of flooding in urban centres and mudslides with Western Kenya, Central, parts of Rift Valley and Nairobi bearing the brunt of the rains.
This emerged when various government agencies converged in Sawela Lodge in Naivasha to address the effects of the rains and mitigation plans.
According to Kenya Meteorological department director Dr David Gikungu, the flooding coupled with high temperatures, could lead to health complications.
He said the temperatures would be above normal with Coast, Nyanza and Northern Eastern being the most affected between March and May.
“The long rains have already started in parts of Western Kenya and we are calling on those living near waterways to relocate as we expect flooding and mudslide,” he said.
Addressing the press, Gikungu said the rains would continue to June with April marking the peak though some regions like Coast, Northern Kenya and Eastern would not be affected.
He said the department was working with other government agencies and county government in putting in place mitigation measures.
“We are asking the county governments and relevant state agencies to make use of the rains by harvesting the flood waters for future use,” he said.
Dr Ayub Manya from the Ministry of Health warned over a rise in disease outbreak due to the flooding and rise in temperatures.
Among the diseases expected to rise during the period include highland malaria, cholera and typhoid.
“With flooding expected during the heavy rains, this will lead to contamination of water bodies leading to a rise in water borne diseases,” he said.
The officer in charge of disaster management and monitoring in Kenya Red Cross Peter Murgor said the report by Kenya Meteorological department would help them in their planning.
“The rains will see water availability for households increase and boost crop production, but the flooding could lead to destruction of infrastructure and disease outbreaks,” he warned.
