The Machakos County multi-agency El Niño preparedness committee has concluded a week-long training aimed at strengthening early warning systems and emergency response ahead of the anticipated heavy rains in the lower Eastern Region.
The exercise brought together county and national government officers, disaster response teams, and humanitarian partners to enhance flood risk mapping, improve information sharing, and conduct rescue drills.
Speaking during the closing ceremony, Devolution CECM Anastacia Munyaka said coordinated action is key to effective disaster management.
“There is a monster called El Niño that is looming on us. In disaster, you cannot isolate departments; they have to work together,” said Munyaka.
She noted that Machakos was among the first counties to set up a dedicated El Niño committee, adding that storm-drain clearing and community sensitization were ongoing at the ward level.
Kenya Red Cross Disaster Risk Reduction Officer Stacy Agatha Peke said the training focused on joint coordination to ensure accurate information from the ground informs decision-making.
“What we have been able to teach is how to coordinate to gather information from the ground to inform decision-making so that we have one coordination platform and speak with one voice,” she said.
She further added that the county is as ready as it can get with resources and contingency plans in place.
A risk assessment by Tana and Athi Rivers Development Authority (TARDA) Officer Dennis Kiyeng classified Machakos as medium-risk overall but flagged high-risk hotspots along the Athi River basin, including Kinanie, Masinga Dam, Matungulu, Tala, Kima, and Yatta Plateau, as prone to flash floods, landslides, and river overflows.
He said TARDA is working with KenGen, the Kenya Meteorological Services Authority, and the University of Nairobi to deploy low-cost river sensors and map flood hazards at the ward level.
County Emergency Rescue Services Director David Mwongela urged vigilance in flatlands such as Matuu, Mavoko, Kithimani, Ekalakala, informal settlements, and along the Machakos-Kangundo Road.
The county has activated four toll-free emergency lines, 0720 808 900, 0715 068 861, 0800 600 016, and 1199, which will operate 24 hours for floods, fires, road accidents, and ambulance services.
By Mary Mutanu and Anne Kangero
