Trans Nzoia County has stepped up preparations for the expected El Nino rains, warning residents living near rivers and other flood-prone areas to remain alert and be ready to relocate if conditions become dangerous.
Trans Nzoia County Commissioner Alason Hussein said the county and national governments are working together to prepare for above-normal rainfall and minimise the risk of flooding, loss of property and deaths.
Hussein said weather experts had alerted authorities that the county could experience heavier rains than usual, prompting the county steering group to put measures in place ahead of the rainy season.
“We are here as members of the county steering group preparing for the El Nino rains. Both the county and national governments are here, and we are planning strategies to protect our people,” Hussein said.
He identified parts of Kwanza and Kiminini sub-counties, as well as areas along rivers and riverbeds, as locations that could be particularly vulnerable to flooding.
Hussein urged residents living in such areas to take government warnings seriously and avoid waiting until flooding occurs before moving to safer locations.
He said authorities would issue regular alerts as the rains approach and advise residents on evacuation and safe areas whenever necessary.
“We want to inform our people early. As we approach those days, we will be able to advise them. If some people are required to leave where they live, we will tell them where they can safely relocate,” he said.
The commissioner also cautioned residents living along riverbeds to move to safer areas because of the increased risk of flooding and other dangers associated with heavy rainfall.
Samson Ojwang, the Trans Nzoia County Executive Committee Member for Public Service Management, said the county government would work closely with the national government through the County Commissioner to strengthen disaster preparedness.
Ojwang said the county was developing a contingency and preparedness plan to guide its response to emergencies that may arise from the El Nino rains.
“We will work closely with the National Government through the County Commissioner to put in place the strategies needed to protect our people from the effects of El Nino,” Ojwang said.
He said the county government has an emergency fund that would be activated to support residents affected by flooding and other weather-related emergencies.
Ojwang said the response would include the distribution of food and non-food items to affected families, depending on the nature and scale of the emergency.
“We will do everything possible to ensure that no resident loses their life as a result of these rains,” he said.
He further urged Members of the County Assembly and other elected leaders to help sensitise residents about the dangers posed by flooding and encourage people in high-risk areas to heed evacuation advice.
Ojwang said Kwanza and Kiminini have experienced flooding in previous years, making preparedness particularly important as the county braces for the expected rains.
The county government said it would continue coordinating with the national government and other stakeholders to provide timely warnings, facilitate evacuations where necessary and support residents affected by the El Nino rains
