Government Forms Special Cabinet Committee To Tackle Anticipated El Niño Rains

The government has established a specialized Cabinet committee to spearhead Kenya’s preparedness and response ahead of forecasted El Niño rains later this year.

Approved during a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, the directive is part of the state’s aggressive strategy to bolster national readiness against climate-related disasters.

The National El Niño Contingency Plan

The newly formed Ad Hoc Cabinet Committee on El Niño Preparedness and Response will be chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki. Following Cabinet approval, the committee is set to immediately activate a comprehensive national contingency plan to synchronize efforts across various government agencies.

Key pillars of the emergency response plan include:

• Infrastructure & Flood Mitigation: Immediate clearance of urban drainage systems and the reinforcement of vulnerable roads and bridges to safeguard critical transport networks.

• Displacement Readiness: Pre-arranging evacuation protocols and temporary shelters for high-risk communities.

• Medical & Emergency Supplies: Pre-positioning rapid-response equipment and medical supplies in strategic, flood-prone locations.

• Agricultural Support: Issuing tailored advisories to farmers to help protect crops, livestock, and minimize potential economic losses.

• Emergency Financing: Setting up a dedicated contingency fund to finance ongoing relief operations, recovery efforts, and infrastructural rehabilitation.

The Warning: A Sharp Climate Swing

The proactive government response follows an early warning issued by the Kenya Meteorological Service Authority (KMSA) earlier in June. Forecasters warned that the country could face a dramatic swing from mid-year dry spells to intense rainfall and flooding by the end of 2026.

“The Kenya Meteorological Department is closely monitoring global forecasts indicating the anticipated development of El Niño conditions in 2026… Most models suggest the event will be at least moderate, and possibly strong.” — Kenya Meteorological Service Authority (KMSA)

In a parallel effort to protect the capital, the Nairobi county government and the national government recently committed Ksh2 billion specifically for upgrading city drainage systems ahead of the heavy downpours.