Ruto’s Cabinet Reveals How Kenya Will Respond if El Nino Triggers Floods

Ruto's Cabinet Reveals How Kenya Will Respond if El Niño Triggers Floods

The Cabinet has approved a nationwide preparedness plan to help Kenya respond to the expected moderate-to-strong El Niño rains later this year.

During a Cabinet meeting held at State House, Nairobi on June 30, the government established an Ad Hoc Cabinet Committee on El Nino Preparedness and Response.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki will chair the committee.

According to the Cabinet, the committee will coordinate government efforts to reduce the impact of floods and other weather-related disasters.

The committee will immediately roll out a National El Nino Contingency Plan aimed at protecting lives, property and critical infrastructure.

The plan includes flood mitigation measures, evacuation and shelter arrangements, drainage clearance, reinforcement of vulnerable roads and bridges, and the pre-positioning of emergency equipment and medical supplies.

It will also provide farmer advisories and establish a contingency fund to support relief, recovery and rehabilitation efforts.

“The committee will immediately activate a National El Nino Contingency Plan covering flood mitigation, evacuation and shelter arrangements, drainage clearance, reinforcement of vulnerable roads and bridges, pre-positioning of emergency equipment and medical supplies, farmer advisories, and a contingency fund for relief, recovery and rehabilitation.”

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Government strengthens El Nino Emergency Preparedness

The Cabinet said the special committee will oversee preparations to ensure the country is ready before the expected heavy rains begin.

The government aims to improve coordination among ministries and agencies while ensuring emergency resources are deployed to areas most at risk.

The move comes as Kenya seeks to avoid the widespread destruction caused by previous El Nino seasons, which left many families displaced, damaged roads and bridges, and disrupted economic activities.

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Wider Infrastructure Investments Approved

Besides the El Nino plans, the Cabinet also approved several major infrastructure projects aimed at improving public services and supporting economic growth.

The meeting sanctioned an additional Ksh 16.6 billion to complete the Mwache Multipurpose Dam Project in Kwale County.

Once completed, the dam is expected to supply 186,000 cubic metres of water daily to Mombasa and Kwale counties, helping reduce water shortages, expand irrigation, strengthen climate resilience and provide reliable water to millions of residents.

The Cabinet also approved additional financing for the Modogashe-Samatar and Rhamu-Mandera road sections under the 750-kilometre Isiolo-Mandera corridor, a project expected to improve transport, trade and access to essential services across Northern Kenya.

In addition, the government endorsed the Ksh 26 billion Judicial Performance Improvement Project Phase II, which will support the construction of new judicial facilities and improve access to justice across the country.

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