Machakos County has activated a joint technical team to clear riparian reserves and unclog drainages in flood-prone areas, even as it races to mitigate the anticipated impact of the impending El Niño rains.
The County Technical Committee on El Niño preparedness met stakeholders at the County Commissioner’s Boardroom in Machakos to draw up a work plan targeting areas mapped as high-risk.
Machakos County Commissioner Jackson Ole Chuta, who chaired the meeting, said the multi-agency approach was critical to saving lives and property.
“This is a multi-agency team with technical officers from both the national and county governments. We will go to the ground to see what can be done as a team to save lives and property as El-Nino nears,” said Ole Chuta.
County Executive Committee Member for Environment (CECM), Onesmus Kuyu, said the county is ready to begin enforcement, including demolitions and drainage clearance, particularly in Mavoko Sub-county.
He said the county will work closely with the Water Resources Authority (WRA), Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), and land surveyors to establish and mark riparian boundaries before any action is taken.
He called on stakeholders and residents’ associations to cooperate with officers on the ground.
“There is no time. El Niño might start anytime. Any structure that is on riparian land and obstructing river flow has to be dealt with. We will be on the ground with technical teams and security teams to ensure whatever needs to be done is effected,” Kitu emphasized.
The Kenya Red Cross County Coordinator, Faith Kavuli, said the humanitarian agency has intensified sensitization through radio talk-shows and community engagements to educate residents on safety measures and emergency contacts.
She urged residents to stop dumping waste into drainage systems and to support ongoing clean-up exercises in estates.
Kavuli added that as part of El Niño preparedness, the Red Cross will conduct water rescue training from October 21st to 26th, which is open to the public.
Water Resources Authority (WRA) Director Robinson Kimani said WRA officers will be present during operations in the Mavoko and Sabaki areas to guide the re-channeling of diverted waterways before demolitions commence.
The mapping exercise has identified Katani, Syokimau, and other low-lying estates in Mavoko as among the most vulnerable to flooding.
Residents Association chairs and members were present during the multi-agency meeting and unanimously agreed to work in alignment with the agencies.
They affirmed their readiness to accompany and offer full support to the teams on the ground.
The meeting brought together representatives from the following Resident Associations in Mavoko Sub-county: Graceland Estate, Riverpark, Katani Cosmopolitan, Paradise Park, Lukenya Hills, Valley View Residents Association, 360 Phase 2, SawadaVillas, Kicheko Estate, Karibu Homes, and Sunset Boulevard.
By Anne Kangero
