Kenya's Cabinet has set up a special committee to coordinate preparations for expected El Niño rains later this year. The move aims to reduce risks from potential flooding and other weather impacts.
The Ad Hoc Cabinet Committee on El Niño Preparedness and Response was approved on Tuesday, June 30. It will be chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and will activate a national contingency plan right away.
The plan covers flood mitigation, evacuations, drainage clearance, road and bridge reinforcements, and pre-positioning of emergency supplies. Farmer advisories will also be issued and a contingency fund set up for relief efforts.
The Kenya Meteorological Service Authority issued an alert earlier in June. It said most models point to at least moderate El Niño conditions that could affect the country toward the end of the year.
Nairobi County and national governments have already committed KSh 2 billion to upgrade drainage systems in the capital.
