Government activates nationwide emergency response amid heavy rain advisory

A nationwide emergency response has been activated by the government following warnings of heavy downpours, in order to avert loss of lives and property damage.

Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has announced that all key disaster response units, including the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA), the Kenya Red Cross, the National Disaster Management Unit (NDMU), and the National Youth Service (NYS), have been mobilised to act before the rains cause destruction.

Speaking on Sunday during a service at St Andrew’s AIPCA Church Mailune in Igembe North, Meru County, Ruku said his ministry is coordinating a multisectoral approach to ensure swift and proactive interventions.

“This is a multisectoral effort. Every department under special programmes has been directed to act proactively. We are focused on mitigating the effects of the floods before they occur, not just reacting after the damage is done,” he said.

In an advisory last week, the Kenya Meteorological Department warned of intense downpours from Sunday, August 17, with potential flash floods, lightning strikes, strong winds and property damage.

The weatherman said rainfall pounding parts of Lake Victoria Basin, Rift Valley, and the Highlands West of Rift Valley will intensify to over 20mm in 24 hours, gradually spreading eastwards into the Central and Eastern Highlands. The department noted that the downpour is forecast to gradually reduce from Wednesday, August 20.

“The heavy rainfall is likely to continue up to Tuesday. It is projected to reduce in intensity from Wednesday,” the department said.

The CS urged residents in flood-prone areas, particularly those living along the Tana River, Nzoia River, Budalangi flood plains, and Nyando River, to move to higher ground and adhere to official safety advisories. He assured the public that response teams have been placed on standby across the country for timely intervention.

The CS reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting vulnerable Kenyans, noting that the State Department for Special Programmes is developing strategies to cushion communities from the anticipated impact of the heavy rains.

Beyond disaster preparedness, the CS also weighed in on the recent unrest in Siakago Town, where tension between Muguka traders from the Ameru and Ambeere communities led to looting and vandalism. He urged calm and called on leaders to promote peaceful coexistence.

“The problem in Siakago is not business rivalry but a failure by a few people who did not play their part in service delivery. Mt Kenya East is one family—Meru, Embu, and Tharaka-Nithi must work together for shared prosperity,” he said.

Ruku further highlighted ongoing government initiatives aimed at improving service delivery, among them plans to decentralise Huduma Centre services to the village level to reduce travel costs for rural residents.

On agriculture, he defended the government’s fertiliser subsidy reforms, stressing that they are intended to support genuine farmers while eliminating corruption and exploitation by cartels.

The CS also pointed to reforms under the Social Health Authority as crucial in sealing loopholes that had previously allowed misuse of NHIF funds by some private hospitals, saying the government remains committed to strengthening healthcare delivery.

Turning to the youth, Ruku encouraged them to take advantage of training and empowerment opportunities provided by the National Youth Service.

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“NYS is not just about uniforms. It is about equipping our young people with skills, discipline, and a foundation for future employment and service to the nation,” he said.