By James Murimi - Reporter
Kenya, July 2, 2026 - The Government has activated a nationwide preparedness plan ahead of a predicted El Niño weather phenomenon expected during the October-December short rains season, amid fears of flooding, crop destruction and disruption of transport and supply chains.
Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki said on Thursday that Kenyan and international meteorological experts had projected a high probability of El Niño rains later this year, prompting the Government to mobilise relevant ministries and agencies to mitigate potential impacts.
Prof. Kindiki said the anticipated heavy rains could threaten food security through crop damage, strain public health systems, damage critical infrastructure and disrupt transport and supply chains if adequate preparations are not made.
"The Government has activated the preparedness mechanism as provided for under the National Disaster Management Act, which was assented to into law last month," the Deputy President said.
He said all relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) had been directed to intensify preparedness and coordinate response measures to minimise the effects of the expected rains.
"The agencies have been tasked with ensuring preparedness in the event of El Niño rains later in the year and to guarantee a coordinated approach towards mitigating any adverse effects, including maintaining the current stable food security situation," he said.
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The Deputy President spoke after chairing a high-level meeting that brought together key government ministries, departments and agencies to review the country's food security status and assess the level of preparedness for the anticipated weather conditions.
The meeting also reviewed Kenya's preparedness against a possible Ebola outbreak linked to the ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Prof. Kindiki said the Government had received an update on measures being implemented to safeguard the country from the disease, adding that the response plans would be refined to ensure Kenya remains adequately prepared.
The Government's latest alert comes as authorities move to strengthen disaster preparedness following the enactment of the National Disaster Management Act, which provides a legal framework for coordinating responses to emergencies and natural disasters.