Counties in Kenya prepare for safety as El Nino approaches

That El Nino rains will hit some parts of the country in the next few months is almost certain. In Nyanza region, the fears have already sent various county governments and other humanitarian bodies into action.

Kisumu Governor Jack Ranguma said he has put measures such as construction of dykes and de-siltation of rivers and streams that usually burst their banks in the rain season. These will help to avert floods. Regions of the county that are usually affected by floods are Nyakach, Nyando, Muhoroni and parts of Kisumu East sub-county.

“The dykes and removal of silt from the rivers is meant stop rivers that usually burst their banks. Our aim is to provide alternative waterways so that water that overflows and causes havoc during the rainy season is channelled to Lake Victoria,” said Mr Ranguma.

His Homa Bay counterpart Cyprian Awiti said the county government had mapped flooding hot spots and asked residents from the areas to move.

“We have told them to be ready to move to higher ground and to already designate camping centres,” said Mr Awiti. The governor said he has directed his sub county administrators to form disaster teams and prepare potential victims for evacuation.

Migori Governor Okoth Obado advised farmers to avoid farming on flat and low lands. “We are asking our farmers to use alternative methods so that their crops are not wiped away,” said Mr Obado. Western region Red Cross Society Coordinator Emmanuel Owako said they had shared information on how to handle the El Nino threat.