By Brian Kiprono - Reporter
Kenya, August 10, 2026 - The government has identified 18 counties requiring urgent preparedness measures ahead of the anticipated El Niño season, warning that millions of Kenyans could face flooding, drought, disease outbreaks and food insecurity if early action is not taken.
In a national risk assessment released by the National Disaster Operations Centre (NDOC) under the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, the government singled out counties in the Coastal, Lake Basin, Rift Valley and North Eastern regions as the most vulnerable to weather-related disasters.
The assessment also places Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu among the country's high-risk urban centres, citing urban flooding, blocked drainage systems, infrastructure strain and possible disruption of essential services.
"Eighteen counties have been identified requiring priority preparedness and response measures because of their exposure to flooding, landslides, drought, food insecurity, disease outbreaks and other possible El Niño-related impacts," the Interior Ministry said.
Along the Coast, Tana River, Kilifi, Lamu, Mombasa and Kwale are expected to face flooding, storm surges, coastal erosion, infrastructure damage and possible displacement of residents once heavy rains intensify.
In the Lake Basin region, Kisumu, Busia, Siaya, Homa Bay and Migori have been placed on high alert over the risk of flooding, landslides, waterborne diseases and displacement.
The assessment also highlights a complex threat facing parts of the Rift Valley, where Turkana, West Pokot, Baringo and Narok are expected to grapple with both drought and flooding, increasing the likelihood of livestock losses, landslides and worsening food insecurity.
More from Kenya
Meanwhile, Garissa, Wajir and Mandera have been flagged because of persistent drought, water scarcity, deteriorating pasture conditions and food insecurity that could worsen with changing weather patterns.
The warning comes as the IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC) cautioned that El Niño conditions could also heighten the risk of Rift Valley Fever (RVF) across East Africa.
According to ICPAC, heavy rainfall is expected to create favourable breeding conditions for mosquitoes that spread the disease, increasing the risk of outbreaks among livestock and humans.
"These forecasting climate conditions are expected to create favourable ecological conditions for Rift Valley fever transmission," ICPAC warned, adding that Kenya is among the countries at greatest risk alongside Burundi, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Uganda and Tanzania.
The regional climate body warned that without coordinated preparedness and early response, disease outbreaks, livestock losses and damaged infrastructure could significantly disrupt livelihoods and delay emergency assistance in affected communities.