Kiambu County has intensified preparations for anticipated El Nino rains, with authorities identifying flood-prone areas and stepping up public sensitization and early-warning measures.
Senior county and national government officials met at the governor’s office to deliberate on preparedness, resource mobilization, information dissemination and public safety as weather authorities continue monitoring cyclones and the prevailing weather situation.
The meeting was convened by Kiambu County Red Cross Director Anthony Njunge and brought together senior county officials, including David Kimani Kuria, County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Water, Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, and Eng. Newton B. Itobi, CECM for Roads, Transport and Public Works.
Also present were municipal managers and representatives of the national government led by Kiambu County Commissioner George Matundura, who chairs the county disaster committee together with the Governor.
Kuria said the county was closely monitoring areas expected to receive heavy rainfall and was working with relevant agencies to enhance preparedness and protect communities living in vulnerable areas.
“We are particularly concerned about areas that are likely to receive heavy rainfall and those that have previously experienced flooding. Our priority is to ensure that communities receive timely information and take precautionary measures,” said Kuria.
He identified Kinale in Lari as one of the highland areas expected to receive high rainfall, while parts of Githurai and Juja have been identified as flood hotspots due to their history of flooding.
Kuria said effective communication would be critical in reducing the impact of the rains, urging residents to pay attention to official alerts and weather advisories.
The meeting also focused on strengthening communication through churches, community structures and other local networks to ensure early-warning messages reach residents in good time.
County Commissioner Matundura said the county disaster committee would continue coordinating preparedness measures involving both national and county government agencies.
“Preparedness requires close coordination among all agencies and timely dissemination of information to the public. We must ensure that resources are available and that communities in vulnerable areas are adequately prepared,” said Matundura.
Matundura noted government agencies would continue monitoring the situation and coordinating response measures in areas likely to experience flooding and other weather-related emergencies.
On his part, Njunge said the Kenya Red Cross would work closely with the county government and other stakeholders to strengthen community sensitization and preparedness.
He said churches, community organizations and other established communication channels would be used to disseminate safety information and alerts.
The meeting comes as authorities maintain heightened surveillance of weather systems, with the alert reportedly standing at 85 per cent as cyclones continue to be monitored.
The county is expected to continue working with the national government, Kenya Red Cross and other partners to strengthen early-warning systems, public awareness and emergency response mechanisms.
The participants were unanimous that timely information dissemination, public safety sensitization and adequate preparedness would be critical in minimizing the impact of heavy rains and possible flooding across the county.
by Kipkorir Felix and Grace Naishoo
