Turkana County has intensified preparations for possible flooding and other weather-related emergencies after meteorological forecasts indicated that the county could receive normal to above-normal rainfall during the October-December 2026 season.
According to the seasonal forecast presented to stakeholders, some parts of Turkana East could receive rainfall of up to 222 millimetres during the season, increasing concerns over flooding in vulnerable areas.
The preparedness meeting, chaired by Turkana Deputy County Commissioner Rotich Kiprono, was held at the County Commissioner’s Boardroom on Thursday, September 3, 2026. It brought together county and national government agencies, humanitarian organisations and development partners to strengthen coordination ahead of the anticipated rains.
George Ndege of the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA), who facilitated the meeting, read the minutes of the previous meeting held at the County Commissioner’s Office on August 31. The minutes were confirmed by members.
Ndege also stressed the need to establish a clear coordination and response mechanism before rainfall intensifies.
Turkana County Director of Meteorology Francis Muinda told stakeholders that the county was expected to experience normal to above-normal rainfall, while some neighboring counties and countries could receive enhanced rainfall. He warned that increased water flows into Turkana could heighten the risk of flooding, particularly in areas prone to flash and riverine floods.
Muinda said predictions based on Indigenous Traditional Knowledge (ITK) had also pointed to the possibility of enhanced rainfall, broadly aligning with modern meteorological forecasts.
“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.
Muinda further said some parts of Turkana could begin receiving rainfall as early as September, making immediate preparedness and early action necessary.
Among the key recommendations was the establishment and operationalisation of a command and coordination centre to facilitate real-time information sharing during emergencies.
The proposed centre would bring together relevant agencies and response actors to ensure emerging hazards are reported quickly and decisions made through a coordinated response mechanism.
Stakeholders 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 development partners.
Paul Lotum, Director of Water Services, called for accelerated preparations, including the pre-positioning of emergency supplies, mapping of vulnerable areas, mobilisation of response resources and strengthening of cross-border coordination.
He also emphasised the need to use weekly weather forecasts and timely updates to guide preparedness and response measures as the season progresses, saying this would help protect communities and infrastructure.
The Kenya Red Cross Society and other response agencies were identified as key partners in preparedness, coordination and emergency response.
Nawoton Moses, Director of the Disaster Risk Management Department, warned that heavy 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 water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) sectors were consequently urged to identify possible flood scenarios in advance and develop practical response measures to minimise loss of life, property and livelihoods.
The meeting also received a health preparedness update on Ebola. Rotich Kipkorir, Deputy Director for Strategic Preventive Health in the Health and Sanitation Department, sensitised stakeholders on the disease and confirmed that there were no reported cases of Ebola in Kenya.
He said the county was equipping frontline health workers and community health promoters with skills to support early detection and activate rapid response mechanisms.
“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.
The meeting was attended by officials from the County Government, including Director of Nutrition Saada Loyokon, Director of Climate Change George Emase, Director of Youth Linus Lomoe, John Long’ori, Ariong’ Ekalale Moses, Dominic Kiptoo and Dr John Sang.
Representatives from various partner organisations also attended, including IPDR, NDMA, ADRA, Blue Economy, KEMFRI, KVDA, IRC, BOND/TDT, KNCCI, LOKADO, Kenya Red Cross, DCA, TUPADO, WHH, BLEC, SDBEF, PCR, SOLO, VSO, FAO, RT, EYE, Suguta Valley, Turkana Development Trust, Turkana Chapter Chamber of Commerce, World Vision, KWS, Tumaini Kwetu, DOL, Feed the Children, Social Protection, SAPCON, ICDA, VSF Germany, Children Services, Water Resources Authority, Plan International and WFP, among others.
