The County Government of Bomet has set up a multi-agency task force to help step up preparedness and expected emergency response ahead of El Niño rains predicted to begin in October.
The Kenya Meteorological Department is forecasting 81 per cent likelihood of a strong El Nino in Kenya commencing in October this year through to January 2027, hence the need for government agencies and the public to stay alert to weather vagaries.
According to predictions, in Bomet County, the El Nino effect will lead to higher than normal rainfall which will lead to swollen rivers, flooding and mudslides in certain regions of the county. Other negative effects may include an outbreak of waterborne diseases, damage to infrastructure, submerging of bridges, and collapsing of quarries.
In a statement, Bomet Governor Prof. Hillary Barchok said his administration was not leaving anything to chance and was working out all efforts towards preparedness and emergency response to minimize fatalities and destruction of property, in case the El nino goes full scale.
“It is our aim in Bomet, that as a result of prior planning, we will experience minimal forced displacement of populations, no outbreak of diseases and no fatalities,” he added.
Already, a county multi-agency team has drawn plans to mitigate any adverse effects of the expected heavy rains, mapping out potential hotspots and suggesting holding grounds for displaced residents, if such a need arises.
The multi-agency team comprises of the Office of the County Commissioner, the Office of the Governor, the Department of Disaster Management, Kenya Meteorological Department Bomet Station, National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) Bomet, Kenya Power Company Bomet Office and the Kenya Red Cross Society Bomet Branch among other stakeholders.
The team has since initiated a program for public awareness barazas to be conducted jointly by the county and national government officials.
By Erick Ongeri
