NAIROBI, Sept. 28 (Xinhua) -- Kenyan authorities said Thursday they are ramping up mitigation measures, including raising public awareness and mapping out flood-prone areas ahead of the expected El Nino rains.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said there have also been projections that the country is likely to experience heavy rains from this month to January 2024. "Failing to plan is planning to fail," Gachagua said after convening a strategic meeting on El Nino response and mitigation in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi.
The meeting brought together leadership from both levels of government, other government response agencies, and partners to assess and discuss preparedness in dealing with the expected El Nino rains. "The weather forecast indicates that more than 20 counties across the country may face one of the heaviest rain seasons in decades, starting September," Gachagua said.
El Nino, the naturally occurring climate phenomenon that is predicted to hit the country from September could bring more pain and suffering to Kenyans if the government does not prepare for it, according to weather experts.
After a prolonged drought of almost 40 years, the government does not wish to lose lives and livelihoods, said Gachagua, pledging to ensure preparedness as well as ensure every responsible state sector and agency is prepared to play their role efficiently. He called on county governments to complement national government efforts especially financially to arrest the situation.
It is told during the meeting that counties have mapped out hotspots, as well as made plans for the relocation of people, provision of relevant goods and services, robust disease control mechanisms, and measures to clear drainages.
