CS Rebecca Miano says counties in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) are likely to be the hardest hit by the impact of the expected El Nino rains, partly due to the terrain they occupy and the aftermath of five consecutive failed rain seasons that lasted until March this year.
In a ministerial statement on El Niño preparedness, CS Miano yesterday said the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) under the Ministry has since August conducted El Niño preparedness consultations in all of the 23 counties classified as ASALs.
‘The talks focused on awareness creation, how to form technical teams, developing probable scenarios and mapping out hotspots. Contingency measures have been updated and response plans and budgets developed in readiness of any eventuality,” the statement reads in part.
Most of the ASAL counties are expected to experience floods but Marsabit, Turkana, Baringo, Samburu, Wajir, Garissa, Tana River, Kilifi, Kwale, Taita Taveta, Mandera, Narok, and Isiolo have been identified as likely to bear the brunt of the impending El Niño.
Elgeyo Marakwet and West Pokot counties on the other hand are likely to experience landslides.
