LODWAR, September 3, 2026(Public Communications and Media Relations )
Reports from the meterology indicates that Turkana will receive normal to above normal rainfall during this year’s October-December season, with parts of Turkana East likely to receive the highest downpour of up to 222 mm of rain in the El-nino period.
This has called for the Turkana County to intensify preparations for possible flooding and other weather-related emergencies as forecasts point at normal to above-normal rainfall across parts of the county in the coming months.
The preparedness meeting, chaired by the Turkana Deputy County Commissioner Rotich Kiprono, was held at the County Commissioner’s Boardroom on Thursday, September 3, 2026, bringing together county and national government agencies, humanitarian organisations and other development partners.
George Ndege (NDMA) who was facilitating the meeting read the minutes of the previous meeting that was held at the County Commissioner’s office on Monday 31st August that was confirmed by the members. He also stressed the importance of establishing a clear coordination and response mechanism before the rains intensify.
The meeting focused on strengthening coordination and preparedness ahead of the anticipated enhanced rainfall associated with the El Niño phenomenon.
According to the seasonal forecast presented to stakeholders, by the county Director of meterology in Turkana Francis Muinda , Turkana is expected to experience normal to above-normal rainfall, while some neighbouring counties and countries could receive enhanced rainfall. This could increase water flows into Turkana and heighten the risk of flooding, particularly in flood-prone areas.
According to Muinda, the Indigenous Traditional Knowledge (ITK) approach used to predict the rains had also pointed to the possibility of enhanced rains just like the modern meteorological data.
“Both the ITK and the modern forecast identified several potential hazards, including flash floods, riverine flooding, increased flows in major rivers and seasonal watercourses, cross-border flood impacts and other secondary effects associated with heavy rainfall,” he added
Francis Muinda further informed that some parts of Turkana could begin receiving rainfall as early as September, making immediate preparedness and early action necessary.
One of the key recommendations was the identification and operationalisation of a command and coordination centre that would facilitate real-time information sharing for a more effective emergency response.
The proposed centre would bring together relevant actors to ensure that information on emerging hazards is rapidly shared and that response decisions are made in a coordinated manner.
The meeting also called for the identification of a lead agency to coordinate flood preparedness and response activities in collaboration with the County Government, National Government agencies, humanitarian organisations and other partners.
Early warning and resource mobilisation
Participants emphasised the need to strengthen early-warning systems and ensure that communities receive timely and accessible information on impending weather events.
Paul Lotum director of water services called for accelerated preparedness, including pre-positioning of emergency supplies, mapping of vulnerable areas, mobilisation of response resources and strengthening of cross-border coordination.
He also underscored the importance of using weekly weather forecasts and timely updates to guide preparedness and response measures as the rainfall season progresses. This will enhance communities and infrastructure protection.
The Kenya Red Cross Society(KRCS) and other response actors were identified among the stakeholders expected to play an important role in preparedness, coordination and emergency response.
Nawoton Moses Director Disaster risk management department emphasized that rainfall could have significant consequences for communities, roads, water infrastructure, settlements and livelihoods, particularly in areas already identified as vulnerable to flooding.
Stakeholders in the education, health and WASH were therefore urged to identify possible flood scenarios in advance and develop practical response measures to minimise loss of lives, property and livelihoods.
Rotich Kipkorir, the Deputy Director for Strategic Preventive Health at the Health and Sanitization department sensitivity the team on Ebola confirmed that there are no reported cases of Ebola in Kenya.
He confirmed that the County was actively equipping frontline health workers and community health promoters with skills for early detection and activation of rapid response.
“The teams of specially trained responders have been deployed along high traffic trade and cross border routes. They have been asked to remain vigilant, practice strict hygiene, avoid handling wild animals, and immediately report anyone showing signs associated with the condition.
Those present from the county Government included Saada Loyokon Director Nutrition, George Emase Director Climate Change , Linus Lomoe Director youth , John Long’ori, Ariong’ Ekalale Moses, Dominic Kiptoo and Dr. John Sang.
Other partners represented included IPDR, NDMA, ADRA, Blue economy, KEMFRI, KVDA, IRC, BOND/ TDT, KNCCI, LOKADO, RC,DCA, TUPADO, WHH, BLEC, SDBEF,PCR, SOLO, VSO, FAO, RT, EYE, Suguta Valley, Turkana Development Trust, Turkana Chapter Chambers of Commerce, World Vision, KWS, Tumaini Kwetu,DOL, Feed the children, Social protection, SAPCON, ICDA, VSF Germany, Children services ,Water Resource Authority, Plan international and WFP among others.
