The Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has warned that three counties are likely to experience flooding in the next three months.
Speaking before the Senate on Wednesday, March 5, the CS said that Kisumu, Busia, and Tana River Counties are likely to experience floods during the March, April, and May short rains period.
"Three months weather forecast issued by the Kenya Meteorological Department on March, April and May indicate that near to above normal rainfall in the western part of the country and below normal for the rest of the country. There is therefore a likelihood of floods in only three counties; Kisumu, Busia, and Tana River Counties," he stated.
Murkomen, however, assured that the government has already executed several measures to guarantee the preparedness of the country to curb flood risks including improving drainage systems in towns and cities across the country.
Furthermore, Murkomen noted that the government will be keen on rehabilitating the country's infrastructure acquiring food and nonfood items, and preparing emergency response teams to aid those who will be affected by the floods.
Additionally, Murkomen has assured that the government will continue to issue timely early warning alerts and disaster preparedness to the public in addition to campaigning for soil conservation.
"The government has employed the flooding strategy among others to mitigate against possible floods. One promoting reforestation and soil conservation, two rehabilitation of roads, and acquisition of food and nonfood items in preparedness for the rainy seasons, mobilizing emergency response, awareness to stakeholders and improving drainage systems," he added.
In its seasonal forecast for the next three months, the "long rains" season, the Kenya Meteorological Department indicated near to above-average rainfall over the Lake Victoria Basin, South Rift Valley, and parts of the Highlands.
The rains are set to begin in two weeks, with Nairobi, Kiambu, Embu, Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Meru, and Tharaka Nithi receiving rainfall within the first two weeks of this month. The southeastern lowlands, including Kitui, Machakos, Makueni, Kajiado, and Taita Taveta, will also experience rainfall within the same period.
Other counties set to receive rain around the same time include Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, and several regions in the Rift Valley and Western Kenya.
According to the Department's Director, David Gikungu, a brief dry spell may follow after the long rains.
The season may feature poor to fair rainfall distribution, a normal to late-onset with occasional dry spells and potential storms in some regions. Peak rainfall is expected in April, except for the Coastal Strip, which will peak in May.
Overall, warmer-than-average temperatures are forecasted, especially in coastal and northern areas.
