The government has stepped up preparations to mitigate the effects of the El Niño rains expected to hit Kenya from next month, with a special focus on Nairobi, where flooding has previously caused significant disruption.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki said the government was putting in place measures to protect lives, infrastructure and essential services as agencies moved to strengthen the country’s preparedness ahead of the expected heavy rains.
Prof Kindiki spoke after chairing a special El Niño preparedness meeting at his official residence in Karen, Nairobi on Thursday 24,September 2026,bringing together heads of key roads, water and energy agencies as well as Nairobi County Government officials.
The meeting reviewed the level of preparedness and response measures to be deployed in Nairobi, which faces unique challenges in managing floods, blocked drainage systems and other effects associated with heavy rainfall.
Among those involved in the meeting were officials from the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), the Nairobi Rivers Commission, relevant national government ministries and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, alongside other county officials.
Prof Kindiki said the government had developed evacuation plans targeting people living in areas prone to flooding and mudslides.
He noted the plans include identifying temporary holding centres where displaced families can be accommodated and provided with food and other basic necessities as authorities work to keep them safe.
The Deputy President further said the government was taking a targeted approach because the risks posed by heavy rains vary from one part of the country to another.
“We are tailor-making our measures to mitigate the effects of El Niño according to the threats posed in different areas of the country,” Prof Kindiki said.
He said government agencies responsible for critical infrastructure had already started implementing measures to minimise possible damage and ensure essential facilities remain operational during the rainy season.
The works include interventions targeting roads, drainage systems, water infrastructure and other facilities that could be affected by flooding and mudslides.
Prof Kindiki said the government was keen to ensure that infrastructure likely to be affected by heavy rains is strengthened before the rains intensify.
The meeting comes amid preparations by national and county authorities to minimise disruptions caused by flooding, particularly in Nairobi, where heavy rains can quickly overwhelm drainage systems and affect roads, homes and businesses.
The second in command said the preparedness measures would be continuously reviewed to respond to emerging risks.
He at the same time directed relevant agencies and authorities to maintain close coordination to ensure that response measures are implemented promptly and that residents receive assistance whenever necessary.
Nairobi County has in the past experienced flooding in several parts of the city following heavy rainfall, with low-lying areas and settlements along rivers facing increased risks.
The involvement of both national and county agencies is therefore expected to improve coordination in disaster preparedness, response and management.
He noted the government is also urging relevant agencies to ensure that ongoing works are completed or strengthened before the onset of heavy rains.
Prof Kindiki said the focus was not only on responding to emergencies after they occur, but also on taking preventive measures to reduce the potential impact on communities and infrastructure.
