Government declares El Niño rains a national security threat

The government has classified the expected El Niño rains as an imminent national security threat, urging Kenyans to closely follow official security and disaster-management updates to help protect lives and property. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki made the remarks after chairing an El Niño preparedness meeting at his Karen residence, bringing together ministries, departments and agencies to coordinate the government’s response ahead of the rains, expected from October. Kindiki has urged Kenyans not to panic, assuring them that preparations are underway to minimise loss of life and property. Kamau Mwangi reports.