Government Launches Nationwide Emergency Plan to Combat Heavy Rainfall Crisis
Quote from Lawyer on August 18, 2025, 6:16 amThe government has launched a comprehensive nationwide emergency response to address the impacts of heavy rainfall expected across multiple regions, as forecasted by the Kenya Meteorological Department. The advisory, issued for August 18 to August 24, 2025, warns of intense downpours in the Central Highlands, including Nairobi, the Lake Victoria Basin, Western and Central Rift Valley, Southeastern Lowlands, and Coastal regions. Parts of the Northwest and Northeast are also expected to experience rainfall, with isolated storms and heavy rains likely in the South Rift Valley, Southeast Lowlands, Central Highlands, and South Coast.
The emergency response, coordinated by the National Disaster Operations Centre (NDOC), aims to mitigate the risks posed by potential flooding, landslides, and infrastructure damage. The government has mobilized multi-agency teams, including the National Police Service, Kenya Defence Forces, and Kenya Red Cross, to ensure rapid response and support for affected communities. Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo emphasized the priority of safeguarding lives and property, stating that the government is working closely with county governments to enhance preparedness and response mechanisms.
The NDOC has activated emergency response units across all 47 counties, with a focus on high-risk areas prone to flooding and landslides. County Disaster Management Committees have been directed to conduct vulnerability assessments and preposition resources, including food, medical supplies, and temporary shelters. Evacuation plans are in place for communities living in low-lying areas, near rivers, or in landslide-prone regions, particularly in the Central Highlands and Rift Valley.
The Ministry of Education has issued guidelines to schools, urging them to ensure safe transport and infrastructure readiness as the new academic term approaches. The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has called on schools to use vehicles equipped with licensed speed limiters, as listed on its website, to enhance road safety during adverse weather conditions. Parents and school administrators have been advised to monitor weather updates and avoid travel during heavy downpours.
In urban areas like Nairobi, the government has intensified efforts to clear drainage systems and reinforce infrastructure to prevent flooding. The Nairobi County Chief Officer for Disaster Management and Coordination, Bramwell Simiyu, highlighted ongoing efforts to repair critical infrastructure, such as roads and bridges, to withstand the expected heavy rains. Residents have been urged to avoid constructing or residing near waterways, following a recent suspension of new construction projects by the National Construction Authority (NCA) due to safety concerns.
The Kenya Meteorological Department has warned that the heavy rainfall could lead to flash floods, particularly in urban centers with poor drainage systems. In Nairobi’s Eastleigh area, residents have raised concerns about inadequate sanitation infrastructure, with reports of sludge dumping along General Wariungi Street posing health and safety risks. The community has called on the Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company and Nairobi City County Government to address these issues urgently.
The government has also prioritized the safety of critical infrastructure. The Ministry of Energy is addressing faulty power infrastructure to prevent electrocution incidents and power outages, which have been exacerbated by recent heavy rains. Energy Principal Secretary Alex Wachira announced a nationwide campaign to replace malfunctioning transformers and repair hazardous power lines, following reports of increased electrocution cases.
The heavy rain advisory comes in the wake of earlier flooding events linked to El Niño, which displaced thousands and caused significant damage to homes, crops, and infrastructure. The government’s focus on reconstruction and rehabilitation continues, with efforts to provide safe drinking water and maintain hygiene in flood-affected areas. The NDOC is coordinating with humanitarian organizations to distribute relief supplies, including blankets, food, and medical kits, to vulnerable populations.
The agricultural sector faces significant risks, with potential crop losses in the Southeastern Lowlands and Central Rift Valley, key food-producing regions. The government has warned of a possible rice shortage if duty-free imports are halted, as domestic production meets only 20 percent of the country’s annual demand of 1.3 million metric tonnes. To address this, the Ministry of Agriculture is working with farmers to implement flood-resistant farming techniques and provide financial support through the Agricultural Finance Corporation.
County governments have been urged to collaborate with national agencies to streamline relief efforts. The Council of Governors reported that unpaid bills, totaling Sh172.51 billion, are straining county resources, with Nairobi County alone accounting for nearly 70 percent of the debt. Despite these challenges, governors are prioritizing emergency preparedness, with counties like Turkana launching promotion reviews to boost staff morale and efficiency in disaster response.
In the Coastal region, where heavy rains are expected to intensify, local leaders are working to reinforce dykes and improve drainage systems. The Tana River community has initiated a women-led sanitation drive to curb cholera risks, a proactive measure following previous flood-related outbreaks. In the Rift Valley, authorities are monitoring landslide-prone areas and have deployed early warning systems to alert residents of potential dangers.
The government has appealed to Kenyans to remain vigilant and adhere to safety guidelines. Citizens are advised to avoid crossing flooded rivers, seek shelter during storms, and report emergencies to the NDOC hotline or local authorities. The Kenya Red Cross has set up community-based response teams to provide first aid and assist with evacuations.
As the country braces for the week-long heavy rainfall, the government’s multi-agency approach aims to minimize disruptions and protect lives. The NDOC will continue to monitor the situation and provide regular updates to ensure a coordinated and effective response to the evolving weather conditions.
The government has launched a comprehensive nationwide emergency response to address the impacts of heavy rainfall expected across multiple regions, as forecasted by the Kenya Meteorological Department. The advisory, issued for August 18 to August 24, 2025, warns of intense downpours in the Central Highlands, including Nairobi, the Lake Victoria Basin, Western and Central Rift Valley, Southeastern Lowlands, and Coastal regions. Parts of the Northwest and Northeast are also expected to experience rainfall, with isolated storms and heavy rains likely in the South Rift Valley, Southeast Lowlands, Central Highlands, and South Coast.
The emergency response, coordinated by the National Disaster Operations Centre (NDOC), aims to mitigate the risks posed by potential flooding, landslides, and infrastructure damage. The government has mobilized multi-agency teams, including the National Police Service, Kenya Defence Forces, and Kenya Red Cross, to ensure rapid response and support for affected communities. Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo emphasized the priority of safeguarding lives and property, stating that the government is working closely with county governments to enhance preparedness and response mechanisms.
The NDOC has activated emergency response units across all 47 counties, with a focus on high-risk areas prone to flooding and landslides. County Disaster Management Committees have been directed to conduct vulnerability assessments and preposition resources, including food, medical supplies, and temporary shelters. Evacuation plans are in place for communities living in low-lying areas, near rivers, or in landslide-prone regions, particularly in the Central Highlands and Rift Valley.
The Ministry of Education has issued guidelines to schools, urging them to ensure safe transport and infrastructure readiness as the new academic term approaches. The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has called on schools to use vehicles equipped with licensed speed limiters, as listed on its website, to enhance road safety during adverse weather conditions. Parents and school administrators have been advised to monitor weather updates and avoid travel during heavy downpours.
In urban areas like Nairobi, the government has intensified efforts to clear drainage systems and reinforce infrastructure to prevent flooding. The Nairobi County Chief Officer for Disaster Management and Coordination, Bramwell Simiyu, highlighted ongoing efforts to repair critical infrastructure, such as roads and bridges, to withstand the expected heavy rains. Residents have been urged to avoid constructing or residing near waterways, following a recent suspension of new construction projects by the National Construction Authority (NCA) due to safety concerns.
The Kenya Meteorological Department has warned that the heavy rainfall could lead to flash floods, particularly in urban centers with poor drainage systems. In Nairobi’s Eastleigh area, residents have raised concerns about inadequate sanitation infrastructure, with reports of sludge dumping along General Wariungi Street posing health and safety risks. The community has called on the Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company and Nairobi City County Government to address these issues urgently.
The government has also prioritized the safety of critical infrastructure. The Ministry of Energy is addressing faulty power infrastructure to prevent electrocution incidents and power outages, which have been exacerbated by recent heavy rains. Energy Principal Secretary Alex Wachira announced a nationwide campaign to replace malfunctioning transformers and repair hazardous power lines, following reports of increased electrocution cases.
The heavy rain advisory comes in the wake of earlier flooding events linked to El Niño, which displaced thousands and caused significant damage to homes, crops, and infrastructure. The government’s focus on reconstruction and rehabilitation continues, with efforts to provide safe drinking water and maintain hygiene in flood-affected areas. The NDOC is coordinating with humanitarian organizations to distribute relief supplies, including blankets, food, and medical kits, to vulnerable populations.
The agricultural sector faces significant risks, with potential crop losses in the Southeastern Lowlands and Central Rift Valley, key food-producing regions. The government has warned of a possible rice shortage if duty-free imports are halted, as domestic production meets only 20 percent of the country’s annual demand of 1.3 million metric tonnes. To address this, the Ministry of Agriculture is working with farmers to implement flood-resistant farming techniques and provide financial support through the Agricultural Finance Corporation.
County governments have been urged to collaborate with national agencies to streamline relief efforts. The Council of Governors reported that unpaid bills, totaling Sh172.51 billion, are straining county resources, with Nairobi County alone accounting for nearly 70 percent of the debt. Despite these challenges, governors are prioritizing emergency preparedness, with counties like Turkana launching promotion reviews to boost staff morale and efficiency in disaster response.
In the Coastal region, where heavy rains are expected to intensify, local leaders are working to reinforce dykes and improve drainage systems. The Tana River community has initiated a women-led sanitation drive to curb cholera risks, a proactive measure following previous flood-related outbreaks. In the Rift Valley, authorities are monitoring landslide-prone areas and have deployed early warning systems to alert residents of potential dangers.
The government has appealed to Kenyans to remain vigilant and adhere to safety guidelines. Citizens are advised to avoid crossing flooded rivers, seek shelter during storms, and report emergencies to the NDOC hotline or local authorities. The Kenya Red Cross has set up community-based response teams to provide first aid and assist with evacuations.
As the country braces for the week-long heavy rainfall, the government’s multi-agency approach aims to minimize disruptions and protect lives. The NDOC will continue to monitor the situation and provide regular updates to ensure a coordinated and effective response to the evolving weather conditions.