The government has intensified preparedness for possible El Niño rains through strengthened early warning systems and coordinated disaster response mechanisms to minimise the impact of extreme weather events across the country.
Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, said the government was working closely with the Ministries of Agriculture, Environment and agencies responsible for disaster management, to prepare for climate-related emergencies following prolonged dry spells that have affected crop production in several parts of the country.
Speaking during the launch of the Integrated Natural Resources Management Programme (INReMP) at the University of Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, on Friday, Mudavadi said although farmers were currently grappling with drought and frost, the country must also prepare for possible flash floods associated with El Niño.
“Through our early warning systems, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Environment and the department responsible for disaster management are collaborating closely so that when the time comes, we can minimise the impact of any emergency. We are also working to desilt dams so that they can hold more water during periods of heavy rainfall,” he said.
Mudavadi appealed to development partners, including the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), to continue supporting the government in implementing emergency interventions and climate resilience programmes to cushion vulnerable communities from the effects of climate change.
He stressed that climate change had become a global challenge that required collective action because its effects cut across national boundaries and communities.
“Climate change does not recognise sovereignty, tribes or regions. It affects all of us, and we must therefore work together to protect our environment and safeguard the lives and livelihoods of future generations,” he said.
The Prime Cabinet Secretary urged officers implementing the Integrated Natural Resources Management Programme across the ten participating counties to ensure it delivers tangible benefits to farmers by restoring degraded landscapes, promoting climate-smart agriculture, improving water resource management and strengthening food security.
He said the government’s development agenda remained focused on improving livelihoods by expanding economic opportunities, increasing household incomes and empowering Kenyans through investments in agriculture, infrastructure, education, healthcare and affordable housing.
“Our objective is to put more money into the pockets of Kenyans. Every programme we are implementing is intended to create opportunities, improve livelihoods and increase the purchasing power of our people,” Mudavadi said.
Mudavadi at the same time called on Kenyans to uphold peace, national unity and democratic values by registering as voters ahead of the 2027 General Election.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to conducting free, fair and credible elections within the constitutional timelines and expressed confidence that President William Ruto would secure a second term through the ballot.
“We have always held elections on schedule, and the 2027 General Election will also be held on schedule. I encourage every eligible Kenyan to register as a voter and participate peacefully. We are confident President William Ruto will prevail democratically,” he said.
He described Thursday’s Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election as part of Kenya’s democratic process, saying by-elections were normal and should not distract the government from delivering its development agenda.
The Prime Cabinet Secretary also defended key government programmes, including the recruitment of teachers and community health promoters, affordable housing, road infrastructure and the expansion of the Standard Gauge Railway, saying they had begun transforming lives and should be sustained.
Mudavadi said continuity in implementing ongoing programmes would help consolidate development gains and accelerate economic transformation.
Mudavadi’s remarks come against the backdrop of an earlier advisory by the Kenya Meteorological Department warning that enhanced El Niño rainfall with 80 per cent probability of experiencing an El Niño events expected during the October-November-December (OND) 2026 short-rains season, with several parts of the country likely to experience above-average rainfall, prompting government agencies to step up preparedness and disaster risk reduction measures.
By Fredrick Maritim
