Narok County prepare for El-Nino rains

Narok,

Tuesday, October 3, 2023

KNA by Ann Salaton

With the Meteorological department having predicted El-Nino rains in October, November, and December (OND), the Narok Government has put up measures that will see the prolonged rains become more of a blessing than a disaster.

A meeting co-chaired by Narok Governor Patrick Ntutu and County Commissioner Isaac Masinde resolved to form a multi-sectoral coordination committee that will ensure minimum or no disaster caused by the rains.

The meeting was held at the Commissioner's boardroom and attended by four County Executive Committee Members in charge of Agriculture, Public Administration, Roads and Health, County Security team among other heads of department resolved to hold mega sensitization forums to make the members of the public also prepared.

Also in progress is the unclogging of all drainage systems in Narok towns so as to contain the flash floods that are found to be occurring in the town, and the installation of lightning arrestors in areas prone to lightning and thunder.

 Ntutu promised to lead the stakeholders and traders in a town cleaning exercise as they create awareness in the business community on the need to litter in the designated areas to avoid blocking drainages.

“This is the day we are going to formally launch the emergency response center and equipment that will be used to respond to any disaster that could occur,” he said.

Ntutu told the meeting that about 200 county rangers will work with the Kenya Army officials during the rainy season so as to minimize loss of lives and property. 

County Executive Committee Member in charge of Public Administration Ms. Josephine Ngeno, who gave a report on the county preparedness plan, said the major hazards that hit the county include floods, lightning, mudslides, trauma and drownings, and major cracks on the highways.

However, Ms. Ngeno said the rains have a wide range of positive effects as they are good for agriculture, harvesting water, and planting tree seedlings among other benefits.

The County National Disaster and Management Authority (NDMA) coordinator Ms. Ann Senoi said about 26, 000 people are likely to be affected by the prolonged rains if no caution is taken early enough.

“The worst hit areas by floods are Narok town and Mosiro area where the members of the public are advised to take caution. Areas like Maji Moto and Loita in Narok South Sub County are a bit safe,” she told the meeting.

Narok County Meteorological Director Peter Karanja said the rains will be slightly above normal and will extend to January 2024.

Farmers were asked to take advantage of the rains to plant their farms in a bid to boost food security in the county.

Courtesy; KNA