The Council of Governors want 50 pc of the National Contingency Fund set aside for counties in preparation of the El Niño rains
According to CoG Chairperson Anne Waiguru, the 1 billion shilling is not enough for all the counties to respond to El Nino disasters in all the 47 counties.
“We recognize that managing the impacts of El Niño requires resources. We will actively engage with the national government, development partners and private sector to ensure that the necessary funds and resources are available to support our preparedness and response efforts,” said Governor Waiguru.
Speaking when he met the deputy president Rigathi Gachagua in his El nino preparedness campaign with different stakeholders Waiguru has also pointed out that more resources need to be mobilized just in case the anticipated rains cause havoc.
“Roads, bridges, and drainage systems should be inspected and where necessary, reinforced to ensure their resilience during the upcoming El Niño,” the Kirinyaga County Governor added.
On his part, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has stressed the importance of collaboration among various stakeholders, including local and international partners, to develop a comprehensive mitigation plan of the anticipated El Nino rains
The CoG chairperson said the country must have comprehensive plans in place for the potential evacuation of residents in flood-prone areas.
She said evacuation centers should be identified and equipped with the necessary resources to provide shelter, food, and medical care to those who will be affected by the rains.
The Kenya Meteorological Department on August 30 warned that heavy rains will be experienced from October extending into early 2024.