By Ken Muthomi - Reporter
Kenya, 28 August 2026 - The Ministry of Health has stepped up preparations for the anticipated 2026/2027 El Niño season, warning of increased health risks associated with heavy rainfall, flooding and displacement.
Through the National Health Sector El Niño Task Force and emergency operations structures, the Ministry has assured that it is collaborating with the relevant stakeholders to support joint planning in readiness for the expected heavy downpour.
The partners are supporting rapid assessments, emergency medical services, referral and evacuation, community outreach, risk communication, relief support and assistance to vulnerable populations.
"The Ministry is working closely with county governments and the Kenya Red Cross Society, alongside the National Disaster Operations Centre, National Disaster Management Unit, KEMSA, KEMRI, water and sanitation agencies, the World Health Organization, UNICEF, UNFPA, WFP, IOM, UNHCR, UNOCHA, St John Ambulance, Malteser International, MSF and other health-sector partners," the statement read.
El Niño is a climate phenomenon that occurs when sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean become warmer than normal, disrupting normal weather patterns around the world.
The phenomenon can influence rainfall, temperatures and weather conditions in different regions, including East Africa. In Kenya, El Niño conditions have historically been associated with increased rainfall in some areas, which can raise the risk of flooding and landslides, among others.
Kenya Met said that El Niño-related weather impacts in the country are expected to become more pronounced from October 2026, coinciding with the October–December (OND) short-rains season.
The Ministry has warned that cases of water- and food-borne diseases such as typhoid, cholera, dysentery, hepatitis A and other diarrhoeal illnesses could increase during the rains, prompting it to deploy several preparedness measures.
"The Health Sector El Niño Contingency Plan provides a common framework for national and county governments, emergency agencies, humanitarian organisations and development partners to anticipate, prevent, detect and respond rapidly to flood-related health emergencies," the statement read.
The Ministry has confirmed that county health teams are being supported to strengthen disease surveillance and early-warning systems, investigate alerts and deploy rapid-response teams when necessary.
Laboratory preparedness is also being enhanced through increased capacity, improved sample-referral networks and the availability of rapid diagnostic tests for typhoid, cholera and other priority diseases.
Essential medicines, laboratory supplies, infection-prevention materials, nutrition commodities and emergency kits are also being quantified, procured, stockpiled and pre-positioned at regional, county and health facility levels; alternative last-mile delivery options are to be considered in areas that may be inaccessible during the expected floods.
To protect water and sanitation systems from contamination, measures including water-quality surveillance, chlorination and disinfection of contaminated sources, provision of household water-treatment supplies and deployment of mobile water-treatment units are also being deployed.
Counties are further strengthening contingency plans, referral networks, ambulance and evacuation arrangements, temporary and mobile clinics, backup power and essential health services to ensure continuity of care during emergencies.
The Ministry has urged residents, particularly those living in flood-prone areas, to use safe drinking water by boiling, treating and storing it in clean, covered containers and also wash their hands with soap and safe water after using the toilet and before preparing and eating food.
The Ministry has further warned against consuming food that has been exposed to floodwater and also refrain from self-medicating with antibiotics without the necessary prescription.
"Members of the public should also ensure to follow official guidance: Observe evacuation and safety instructions, avoid walking or driving through floodwater, and rely on information issued by the Ministry of Health, county governments and authorised emergency agencies," the ministry stated.
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