Kenya activates national contingency plan for El Niño rains, warns of widespread disruptions

The Ministry of Interior and National Administration issued a statement on September 1, 2026, indicating that counties in the Western, Nyanza, and North Eastern regions are expected to experience an early onset of the rainfall season. High-risk zones include riverine and low-lying areas, coastal strips, highland and landslide-prone terrain, arid and semi-arid lands in northern Kenya, and flood-prone urban centers. Roads and transport infrastructure in the North Eastern, Tana River, Coastal, Western/Nyanza, Rift Valley, Turkana, Nairobi, Central, and Eastern regions have been identified as vulnerable.

Hotspot mapping has been conducted to guide evacuation and response efforts. The anticipated consequences include flooding, drowning, fatalities, displacement, disease outbreaks, disruption of essential services, and losses to crops, livestock, and livelihoods. Preparedness measures include drainage clearance operations by the Kenya Urban Roads Authority and other agencies, tightened solid waste management, and public awareness campaigns for residents in high-risk zones to evacuate.

Temporary holding grounds have been identified, and water levels in rivers and dams are being monitored as part of an early warning system.