Kindiki Takes on New Role as Cabinet Launches National El Niño Preparedness Plan

The Kenyan government has stepped up its preparations for the expected El Niño rains later this year by creating a special Cabinet committee that will oversee the country’s disaster readiness and emergency response.

The decision was approved during a Cabinet meeting held on Tuesday, June 30, as part of broader efforts to strengthen Kenya’s ability to respond to climate-related emergencies and reduce the impact of severe weather conditions on communities across the country.

The newly formed Ad Hoc Cabinet Committee on El Niño Preparedness and Response will be chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.

The committee has been given the responsibility of coordinating all government efforts aimed at preparing for the forecasted heavy rains and ensuring that the country is ready to respond quickly if disasters occur.

Following the Cabinet’s approval, the committee will immediately begin implementing a comprehensive National El Niño Contingency Plan.

This plan is designed to bring together all relevant government ministries, departments, and agencies so they can work in a coordinated manner before the expected heavy rains begin.

As part of the contingency plan, the government will roll out several flood prevention and disaster management measures.

These include improving flood control systems, identifying and preparing evacuation centres for families living in high-risk areas, and ensuring that temporary shelters are available for people who may be displaced by floods.

Authorities have also been instructed to clear blocked drainage channels, rivers, and stormwater systems in towns and cities across the country.

This exercise aims to improve water flow and significantly reduce the chances of flooding, especially in areas that have previously experienced severe water damage during heavy rainfall.

In addition, the government plans to strengthen roads, bridges, and other critical infrastructure that could be affected by the expected rains.

Reinforcing these transport networks will help minimise disruptions to travel, maintain the movement of goods and services, and protect essential public facilities throughout the rainy season.

To improve emergency response, medical supplies, rescue equipment, food stocks, and other essential relief materials will be strategically positioned in different parts of the country before the rains begin.

This will enable emergency teams to respond more quickly and efficiently if flooding or other weather-related disasters occur.

The Cabinet has also directed relevant ministries to issue timely advisory notices to farmers across the country.

These advisories will provide guidance on crop planting, livestock management, and other agricultural practices to help farmers prepare for changing weather conditions and reduce potential losses caused by excessive rainfall.

Furthermore, the government plans to establish a dedicated contingency fund that will finance emergency relief operations, recovery programmes, and the rehabilitation of infrastructure and communities that may be affected by the anticipated El Niño event.

The fund will ensure that sufficient financial resources are readily available whenever disaster response becomes necessary.

Earlier in June, the Kenya Meteorological Service Authority (KMSA) issued an early warning regarding the possible development of El Niño conditions later this year.

The authority cautioned that Kenya could experience a significant shift in weather patterns, moving from relatively dry conditions during the middle of the year to widespread heavy rainfall and possible flooding towards the end of the year.

According to KMSA, current global weather models indicate that the anticipated El Niño event is likely to be moderate but could strengthen further depending on changing climatic conditions.

The authority noted that it is closely monitoring international weather forecasts and climate models, which continue to indicate the possible development of El Niño conditions during 2026.

If the forecasts remain unchanged, the phenomenon could have a major influence on rainfall patterns across many parts of Kenya, increasing the likelihood of above-normal rainfall and flooding in several regions.

Meanwhile, both the national government and the Nairobi County Government have already begun investing in flood prevention projects.

The two levels of government recently committed Ksh2 billion towards upgrading Nairobi’s drainage systems in preparation for the expected heavy rains.

The project is expected to improve water drainage, reduce flooding in vulnerable neighbourhoods, and strengthen the city’s resilience against future extreme weather events.

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