Governor Kidero says city ready for El Nino

The Nairobi County Government has put in place measures to mitigate the impact of the impending El Nino.

According to Nairobi Governor Dr. Evans Kidero, response and emergency teams have been established in all the sub counties within the City to undertake various activities to ensure minimal damage to property and risks to safety during this period.

In a statement, Kidero said given the expected magnitude of the risks expected, there is need to involve and partner with all residents and property owners in ensuring maximum preparation prior to and during the El-Nino period in order to mitigate the impact of the El-Nino phenomenon.

In the statement, the Governor as all property owners and residents to remove all siltation and other deposits in the open drains, adjacent or within their respective premises as well as clear all shrubs which have potential to occasion blockages and/or free flow of water.

“No prior authority for these works will be required and all such property owners and residents may receive specific orders to undertake the works herein at their expense,” read the statement in part.

“Let us work together to save lives and property during the impending El Nino phenomenon,” added Kidero.

Last week, National Disaster Operations Centre Director Nathan Kigotho  said about 2.5 million school going children might be affected by the El Nino expected to commence in October and until January next year.

Kigotho warned children against sheltering under trees when the rains and floods start.

Kigotho also said the government requires Ksh 15.5 billion to mitigate the impact of the El Nino phenomenon and make early emergency preparations before the rains set it.

The Disaster Operations Centre boss has warned the heavy rains might cause floods and bring about disease outbreaks and disrupt transport and other infrastructure.

Kigotho urged counties to order vaccines to deal with potential outbreaks.

Areas expected to be most affected by El Nino rains and consequent floods include Narok, Nairobi, Elgeyo Marakwet, Tana River, Lake Bogoria Basin, Homa Bay, Isiolo, Kilifi, Budalangi and Nyando regions.

Leaders in different counties have already started operations ahead of El Nino.

About three weeks ago, the Nairobi City County said it would deploy 400 youth in South C area to unclog blocked drainage in preparation of the rains.

According to Nairobi CEC for Infrastructure and Roads Mohamed Abdulahi, the county government’s decision was guided by the detrimental effects caused by El Nino in 1997 and flash floods of May 2015.

“We are now meeting Nairobi residents to conduct public awareness campaigns and enlighten them on how they can cope during El Nino,” he said.

South C is one of the areas likely to be affected by the rains due to its poor drainage that has caused houses to flood during heavy rains.

He said that most of these systems have been in place since the colonial time and have become ineffective.

Abdulahi assured residents that the exercise would extend to other parts of the county in order to make the country free of flooding.

The CEC also put building owners on notice saying any building constructed on a drainage path will be demolished.

Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero had earlier said that the country is well prepared to deal with El Nino.

Various estates in Nairobi experienced heavy flooding in May when heavy rains pounded the county.

Most residents blamed the county government for being unprepared and neglect of the county’s drainage systems.