Residents, farmers and members of the business community in Uasin Gishu Count have begun taking precautions against possible heavy rains and flooding across the county ahead of the expected heavy rains.

They have welcomed the warning by Kenya Meteorological Department’s on the possibility of El Niño conditions during October, November and December, saying it was early enough to allow for preparedness.

Sharon Chebet, a resident of Annex who grew up in Chemichemi, a village prone to flooding, said the anticipated rains could have serious effects on her community.

Chebet, who is also a farmer, said flooding was among her main concerns because heavy rains could wash away crops and vegetables, causing losses to farmers who depend on agriculture for their livelihoods.

She said her family had already taken precautionary measures by creating furrows to direct and drain excess water and reduce the risk of flooding around their homestead.

Chebet added that the family had strengthened and upgraded shelters for their cows and chickens to protect the livestock from heavy rains.

She said the measures were important because livestock farming is a major source of livelihood for many residents of Uasin Gishu County.

Another resident, Michelle Helai, said she was aware of the expected El Niño rains and the potential effects on communities.

Helai said heavy rains could disrupt daily activities, make it difficult for children to access schools, render roads impassable and affect businesses and employees travelling to work.

She said the rains could pose serious challenges to human life, particularly for people living in areas vulnerable to flooding.

Helai said she had already taken precautions by relocating from an area highly vulnerable to flooding to a safer location. She had also purchased essential items in preparation for the expected rains.

The residents called on the Government to take preventive measures, including relocating people living in high-risk areas, improving drainage systems and ensuring dams and other water infrastructure are properly maintained.

Morgan Ochieng, a farmer, said he had learnt about the expected El Niño rains through radio and television and feared that heavy rainfall could severely affect farmers by sweeping away crops and potentially causing food shortages.

Ochieng said he was moving his family away from a riverbank where they had previously lived because of the risk of flooding.

He called on the Government to set aside funds to support the relocation of people living along riverbanks and other flood-prone areas.

He said affected families should be provided with alternative land and financial support to enable them to settle in safer areas.

Ochieng also urged fellow residents to take necessary precautions and move away from areas considered dangerous as the country prepares for the anticipated heavy rains.

Kevin Kemboi, a secondhand clothes trader in Eldoret, said flooding threatened to damage his stock whenever water flowed into his shop.

“For my secondhand clothes business, a lot of water can flow and get into my shop, damaging stock. I have prepared somewhat; we will start by creating drainage for the water and building something to keep our clothes elevated,” he said.

Kemboi urged the Government to construct proper drainage systems in the area to control storm water and prevent it from entering business premises.

He also advised fellow traders operating near springs and in low-lying areas to consider relocating their businesses to higher ground to reduce the risk of losses.

Meanwhile, the County Government of Uasin Gishu, through the Department of Roads, Transport and Public Works, has intensified disaster preparedness measures ahead of the expected El Niño rains.

County Executive Committee Member for Roads Abraham Serem and Chief Officer Geoffrey Tanui on Thursday convened a meeting with sectional directors to prepare a comprehensive county report on El Niño preparedness.

The team is gathering information from Ward Administrators, Members of the County Assembly and other stakeholders to map flood-prone areas and identify hotspots that may require urgent intervention.

The assessment is also focusing on possible damage to property and infrastructure, with the county seeking to strengthen preparedness and response measures before the onset of heavy rains.

by Purity Nafula and Stanley Kimtai