Lake Basin Counties Step Up Flood Preparedness as El Niño Threat Raises New Concerns

Lake Basin counties are under renewed pressure to prepare for possible flooding and health risks as Kenya braces for the effects of El Niño.

Busia, Kisumu, Siaya, Homa Bay and Migori are among counties considered vulnerable because of their proximity to rivers, wetlands and Lake Victoria. When heavy rainfall arrives, communities can face flooded homes, damaged roads, crop losses and outbreaks of water-borne diseases.

The risks are particularly serious for low-lying settlements, lakeside communities and families living near riverbanks. Floodwater can contaminate drinking water, disrupt transport and isolate villages from health facilities and markets.

In Kisumu County, communities around River Nyando have already been involved in clearing silt as part of local efforts to reduce the risk of flooding. Similar early action is needed across the region, including drainage clearance in towns, identification of safe evacuation sites and public awareness campaigns.

For Busia, preparedness must include protecting farmers, maintaining rural access roads and strengthening health facilities. The county’s position along the Kenya–Uganda border also means disruption can affect trade, transport and movement across the region.

The most important message is simple: preparation must start before the emergency. County governments, community leaders and residents all have a role in reducing the impact of floods before the rains become destructive.