As the country prepares for the arrival of El Niño rains expected to bring heavy downpours across different regions, residents of Elgeyo Marakwet County have been put on high alert to take immediate action and prepare their communities for the potential dangers that come with the weather phenomenon.
The warning comes as environmental and disaster management officials express serious concern about the vulnerability of the mountainous county to flooding, landslides, and severe soil erosion, particularly in areas that have a history of experiencing such disasters.
Stephen Kimutu, the Environment Director at the National Environment Management Authority in Elgeyo Marakwet County, has issued a stern call to action, urging residents to adopt precautionary measures and avoid engaging in activities that contribute to environmental degradation.
Speaking in Iten, the county capital, Kimutu emphasized that the time to act is now, before the rains intensify and put countless lives and properties at risk. His message was clear and urgent: the county cannot afford to be caught unprepared this time around.
The warning is not without reason. Elgeyo Marakwet County has a painful history with the destructive power of heavy rains. Over the years, the county has witnessed devastating landslides that have claimed lives, destroyed homes, and left families homeless and grieving.
One of the most recent and tragic incidents occurred in Chesongoch, located in Marakwet East sub-county, where a deadly landslide claimed several lives and destroyed numerous homes and other properties.
The incident left families counting significant losses, with many left without shelter and their livelihoods destroyed in an instant. The scars from such disasters remain fresh in the minds of residents, making the current warning all the more serious.
Climate experts have pointed out that El Niño typically brings abnormally high rainfall to East Africa, and Kenya is no exception. When these rains come, areas that are already prone to environmental hazards become even more dangerous.
The combination of steep terrain, degraded forests, loose soil on hillsides, and areas cleared of vegetation creates a perfect storm for landslides and flooding. In Elgeyo Marakwet, where the landscape is characterized by highlands and mountainous terrain, these risks are particularly acute.
The county's lowlands, areas downstream from rivers, and regions that have been identified as prone to landslides face especially high vulnerability during periods of heavy rainfall.
Kimutu's message to residents has focused on several key areas. First, he has called on communities to work together with the relevant authorities in taking measures to protect the environment and ensure that vulnerable populations are moved to safer locations before disasters strike.
This is not a call to panic, but rather a practical appeal for community action and government support. The idea is that by working together, residents and authorities can minimize the damage that the rains might cause and save lives in the process.
The Environment Director has also emphasized the critical importance of protecting forests, riverbanks, and other environmentally sensitive areas. He has explained that environmental conservation can play a significant role in reducing the impact of heavy rainfall.
Forests, for instance, help absorb water and prevent rapid runoff that leads to flooding and erosion. Intact vegetation on hillsides helps hold soil in place and prevents landslides. Riverbanks that are protected by vegetation are less likely to overflow and cause flooding in surrounding areas. Therefore, any activities that lead to the destruction of forests or vegetation should be avoided at all costs during this critical period.
For residents living in low-lying areas, downstream locations, and along river valleys, the message has been even more direct. Kimutu has urged these communities to consider relocating to higher, safer ground before the rains intensify. While such a move may be inconvenient and costly for many families, it is a necessary step to ensure survival and protect property.
The alternative, he has warned, could be catastrophic. History has shown that when El Niño rains hit these areas, the results can be tragic. Flooding can sweep away homes, destroy crops, cut off communities from essential services, and in the worst cases, claim lives.
The county government and NEMA have also advised residents to remain vigilant and monitor weather warnings closely. Early warning systems exist to give people time to prepare and take action. By paying attention to these warnings and acting quickly when they are issued, residents can make the difference between a disaster that is contained and one that spirals out of control.
Communities are being encouraged to have evacuation plans in place, to know where they will go if flooding or landslides threaten their homes, and to ensure that vulnerable members of their families, particularly the elderly and children, are protected.
As Elgeyo Marakwet County braces for the El Niño rains, the focus is on prevention, preparation, and community resilience. While the weather is beyond human control, the consequences of being unprepared are not.
The message from environmental and disaster management officials is straightforward: act now, work together, protect the environment, and prioritize the safety and security of all residents. The rains may come, but with proper preparation and collective action, the county can minimize the damage and protect the lives and property of its people.
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