Kitui Governor Dr. Julius Malombe and the County Commissioner Erastus Mbui have called on residents to take precautionary measures, ahead of the anticipated El Niño rains, emphasizing early household preparedness and safety near natural waterways.

The duo advised households to ensure they are residing in sturdy, structural sound dwellings capable of withstanding heavy downpours and strong winds.

In a joint media briefing on Friday, held at the Governor’s boardroom in Kitui town, the two leaders called on immediate reinforcement residential structures to help mitigate potential damage and protect families during periods of severe weather.

They warned community members against living or settling near riverbanks, low-lying zones, and seasonal waterways that are prone to sudden flooding.

Dr. Malombe cautioned that swollen rivers pose severe threats, as fast-moving floodwaters can break banks and sweep away lives and property.

“Safety must remain our top priority as we approach this season and therefore residents should  stay vigilant, relocate from high-risk flood zones, and adhere strictly to local safety advisories throughout the rainfall period,” he said.

Meanwhile, Kitui County and national authorities are expected to continue monitoring weather updates and coordinating disaster response mechanisms to support vulnerable communities across the sub-counties.

The anticipated rains, associated with a strengthening El Niño phenomenon, are expected to bring prolonged wet spells and occasional storms extending into January 2027, raising the risk of floods, landslides, overflowing rivers and other weather-related hazards.

While the expected rains present an opportunity to improve water availability, agricultural productivity and livelihoods, the County Government and national government cautioned that they could also pose significant risks to lives, infrastructure and essential services

Farmers have been encouraged to take advantage of the rains by preparing their land early, using certified seeds, observing recommended planting windows and adopting soil and water conservation measures.

The duo advised the residents to observe several safety measures during the rainy season, including caution on attempting to cross flooded rivers, drifts or waterlogged areas on foot, motorcycle or in a vehicle.

“Parents should prevent children and teenagers from playing or swimming in moving or stagnant water to avoid drowning and families living along riverbanks, downstream of dams, near spillways and in low-lying areas should identify safer, higher ground and relocate early,” they added.

The residents were further warned against taking shelter under trees during rains or thunderstorms, while those households living in temporary or vulnerable structures were advised relocate to safer places immediately.

On water bone disease, the residents were advised to drink boiled or treated water during the rainy season, as clean water sources may be contaminated by sewage, damaged toilets and pit latrines.

The residents were also urged to clear household drainage and bushes around homesteads to prevent flooding and reduce health risks.

They were also urged to sleep under treated mosquito nets and keep warm to protect against mosquito-borne and weather-related illnesses.

Equally, the residents were advised on seeking medical care immediately if they develop any illness, including sudden watery diarrhoea, vomiting, severe weakness or inability to drink or eat.

They were also urged to protect their livestock by providing them with permanent or temporary shelters, while also securing their personal important documents, food, water containers, emergency lighting such as torches and other basic supplies.

The County Government and the national government emphasizes that preparedness is a shared responsibility and calls on residents, community leaders and institutions to remain calm, vigilant and united in protecting lives and livelihoods, while harnessing the benefits of the anticipated rains.

Meanwhile, county authorities and the national goverment have jointly activated disaster risk management and emergency response structures, intensified dissemination of early warnings in collaboration with the Kenya Meteorological Services Authority and the local administrative structures including launching of public awareness campaigns through radio, community meetings and social media.

Consequently, in case of any emergencies residents could contact the Kitui County Emergency Line on 0702 615 888 or 0143610403, the Kenya Red Cross toll-free line on 1199, or report to the nearest administrative office.

By Mercy Mwanzia