Government steps up preparedness as heavy rains loom, warns of flood risks

• Owino says authorities are undertaking risk assessments, identifying vulnerable and flood‑prone areas, preparing emergency response measures and strengthening early‑warning communication to communities.

Government Spokesperson Charles Owino.

The government has stepped up preparedness measures ahead of the October-November-December (OND) 2026 rainfall season, urging Kenyans to take early precautions against possible flooding, landslides, and disruptions to essential services.

Government Spokesperson Charles Owino says ministries, departments and agencies, working with county governments, humanitarian organisations and development partners, have strengthened multi-agency preparedness and response mechanisms ahead of the rains.

Owino says authorities are undertaking risk assessments, identifying vulnerable and flood‑prone areas, preparing emergency response measures and strengthening early‑warning communication to communities.

"The government is particularly alert to the possibility of heavy rainfall in some areas, which may lead to flooding, landslides, disruption of transport and essential services, damage to infrastructure and displacement of vulnerable households,” Owino said.

The government is calling on residents living in flood‑prone areas, along rivers and in other vulnerable locations to take precautionary measures before the rains intensify.

Residents occupying riparian reserves have been strongly advised to voluntarily relocate to safer areas as a precaution against possible flooding.

Owino says the public should also avoid crossing flooded rivers, roads and bridges, while motorists and pedestrians have been warned against moving through flowing floodwater.

Residents have further been advised to keep away from riverbanks and drainage channels and ensure children do not go near flooded areas or water bodies.

The government is also urging households to secure important documents, property and livestock where possible and follow evacuation instructions issued by authorised agencies.

The Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) will continue monitoring the evolving weather situation and issuing forecasts and advisories to guide preparedness and response at national and county levels.

Owino has also called on communities to work closely with local administrators, county governments and disaster‑response teams, particularly in identifying vulnerable people and supporting early evacuation where necessary.

He urged Kenyans to rely on official weather information and avoid spreading unverified reports, stressing that “early warning must translate into early action”.