Government Urges Kenyans to Act Early as El Niño Rains Loom

By Christopher mbiti 

NAIROBI, September 10, 2026 

The government has urged Kenyans to prepare early for the anticipated El Niño rains, emphasizing that while there is no cause for panic, there is every reason to remain alert, informed and ready to act on official advisories.

Speaking during the briefing Government spokesperson Mr Charles Owino said that they are ready for the risks ,“We will mitigate the risks, and within those areas we will be able to map out where people are settled and determine the appropriate interventions. That is where we bring in our development partners, including the Kenya Red Cross, to establish how we can provide tents and other emergency support"

Principal Secretary for Broadcasting and Telecommunications Stephen Isaboke who was also in the briefing said the government has strengthened its crisis communication framework to ensure timely dissemination of accurate and actionable information before and during emergencies on the anticipated October-November-December rains, Stephen Isaboke, who also chairs the National Crisis Communication Standing Committee, said the new coordination mechanism would bring together relevant ministries, departments, agencies and other stakeholders to ensure consistency in government messaging.

He said the committee would provide strategic direction on national crisis messaging, coordinate broadcasting and digital communication platforms, facilitate media engagement and address misinformation.

The PS said crisis communication would be guided by accuracy, timeliness, transparency, credibility, consistency and inclusivity.

“An accurate forecast or a technical advisory cannot protect lives and livelihoods if it does not reach the people who need it in good time, through channels they can access and in a form they can understand and act upon,” he said.

He said the approach was aimed at strengthening the transition from early warning to early action, allowing communities to take preventive measures before disasters occur.

“We want the government communication to be secure and consistent, so that when we are forewarned and we act about it, then our people are safe and we secure our lives and assets,” he said.

The PS cautioned Kenyans against spreading unverified information, urging them to rely on official government and technical agencies, including the Kenya Meteorological Services Authority, for weather information and advisories specific to their counties and communities.

He also called on the media to play a central role in disseminating verified information and helping technical agencies reach communities across the country.

“We recognize you, the media, as a critical partner in this effort. You really are a main partner,” he said.

The government said the communication framework would not be limited to weather-related emergencies, but would provide a coordinated mechanism for responding to different forms of national crisis.

Stephen Isaboke said the ultimate objective was to ensure Kenyans receive information early enough to take appropriate action.

Ends.