The Kajiado County Government has urged residents to prepare for heavy rains, expected to begin in the county on the second to third week of October.
County Chief Officer for Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change, James Ngugi, said the onset of the rains had been ascertained and that the county government was cascading the information to residents at the grassroots to enable them to prepare adequately.
Ngugi urged livestock farmers to exercise caution during the rainy season and avoid grazing animals near water sources, warning that livestock could easily be swept away by floodwaters.
He also advised farmers to plant crop varieties that can withstand heavy rains, particularly maize and beans, to ensure they are able to harvest after the rainy season.
Ngugi further urged residents living in riparian areas to relocate to safer areas before the onset of the rains to avert loss of lives and property.
He remarked that the county government was working closely with national government agencies, including the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), to unclog drainage systems in urban centers and other flood-prone areas.
The measures, he said, were aimed at preventing flooding and reducing the impact of heavy rains on residents and businesses.
Ngugi called on residents to cooperate with the government by taking precautionary measures, saying the rains should be viewed as an opportunity rather than a threat.
“We are calling on everyone to cooperate with the government to ensure that the rains will be a blessing to everyone and not a curse,” he said.
The chief officer also said the county government had operationalized the Water Act, which provides for the harvesting and conservation of rainwater for future use.
He urged residents to comply with the provisions by harvesting rainwater from rooftops and collecting surface runoff.
Ngugi said water harvested during the rainy season would help provide adequate supplies for domestic use and livestock during dry periods.
He encouraged residents to make maximum use of the expected rains by conserving water while taking necessary precautions against flooding.
Kenya has a 90 per cent likelihood of experiencing above-average to very high rainfall during the October, November, and December short rains season.
With the help of government administration officers, the national government requires all 47 counties to map flood-prone areas, identify safer evacuation grounds, and put measures in place to protect lives, livelihoods, and critical infrastructure.
By Diana Meneto
