Kiambu County has stepped up preparedness measures ahead of the anticipated El Niño rains, with the municipality clearing drainage systems and sensitising residents in flood-prone areas to minimise the impact of possible flooding.

Speaking to the Kenya News Agency, Kiambu Municipality Manager Ruth Waweru said the county had put measures in place to protect residents and minimise damage during the expected rainy season.

The county is collaborating with the Kenya National Highways Authority (KENHA) in clearing the drainage systems to ensure efficient waterflow. Under this partnership, casual workers, business men, are already being engaged through consultative forums to identify ways of preventing the blockage of drainage channels in residential and commercial centres.

“We strongly advise residents to keep the tunnels and drainage system clean and anyone that tunnels sewage to government tunnels will be prosecuted,” Waweru added.

Additionally, the municipality is conducting public awareness campaigns targeting residents living in low-lying areas that are vulnerable to flooding, urging them to evacuate early and move to safer, higher ground when necessary.

“We will be forced to evacuate people in places that are most likely to be affected because all we value is our peoples’ lives; they can return after it’s safe enough to live there” she affirmed.

Emergency hotlines have been established to enable residents to reach the fire department, hospitals, ambulance services and county disaster response teams during emergencies.

Meanwhile, the Kenya Meteorological Department forecast above-average rainfall across Kiambu and much of the country during the October–December 2026 short rains season, assuring of timely updates for better preparation.

by William Tolbert and Grace Naishoo