Senator warns counties to act immediately as Kenya braces for intensified rains
Ledama Olekina has issued a strong warning over the anticipated El Niño rains, calling on county governments to urgently activate disaster preparedness plans, saying the weather system poses a “direct threat to lives, infrastructure, and entire local economies.”
His remarks come amid rising concern over flooding risks in several parts of the country, including Nairobi and parts of Narok County, where infrastructure and drainage systems have already been tested by heavy rains in recent seasons.
“Direct threat to lives and infrastructure”
In a detailed social media statement, the senator urged leaders to move quickly and prioritize emergency response measures.
“Listen guys, this is very serious and you must act now or you will suffer the consequences of inaction. The coming El Niño is not a warning it is a direct threat to lives, infrastructure, and entire local economies.”
He further urged governors to stop political activity and focus on disaster preparedness.
“Governors, stop political campaigns and focus immediately on disaster preparedness.”
Nairobi floods raise fresh concern
Olekina pointed to recent flooding incidents in Nairobi as a warning sign of what could happen if preparedness remains weak.
“We have already seen the danger: in Nairobi County, floods have killed residents, destroyed homes, and stranded families without warning.”
He warned that similar disasters could spread to other vulnerable counties if urgent mitigation measures are not implemented.
“This is exactly what will happen across vulnerable counties if urgent action is not taken.”
Narok flagged as high-risk zone
The senator singled out Narok County, warning that several constituencies face serious risks if infrastructure upgrades are not prioritized.
“In Narok County, the risk is even greater. Narok West, Emurua Dikirr, and Narok South will become completely inaccessible without elevated, all-weather bridges.”
He also raised concern over key crossings in the Maasai Mara ecosystem, warning that tourism and transport routes could be severely disrupted.
“The Double Cross area and the Mara Bridge in the Maasai Mara Game Reserve are a disaster waiting to happen once rivers rise.”
“Crossings will be cut off within hours, shutting down tourism and trapping people without access to help.”
Tourism sector at risk of heavy losses
Narok’s tourism-driven economy, particularly in the Maasai Mara, could suffer significant losses if flooding cuts off access routes, the senator warned.
“Flooding in the Maasai Mara can shut down tourism overnight, isolate lodges, and wipe out millions in revenue.”
He added that the impact would extend beyond businesses to communities that depend on tourism for livelihoods.
“This will affect not just businesses, but entire communities that depend on tourism.”
Calls for coordinated emergency response
The senator urged county governments to work with engineers, national agencies, and private sector stakeholders to strengthen flood preparedness and infrastructure resilience.
“This cannot wait. Counties must act now working with engineers, national agencies, the private sector, and insurance companies to protect infrastructure and livelihoods.”
He warned that leaders will be held accountable if they fail to act in time.
“If you fail to act, the human and economic cost will be yours to answer for. You have been warned!”
Kenya on heightened flood watch
The warning comes as parts of Kenya continue to experience unpredictable rainfall patterns, with meteorological agencies previously cautioning that extreme weather events linked to El Niño cycles could intensify flooding risks in vulnerable regions.
Experts have also warned that poor drainage systems, unmaintained roads, and weak river crossing infrastructure continue to expose many counties to avoidable climate-related disasters.
As the country braces for the rainy season, attention is now shifting toward whether county governments will implement urgent preparedness measures to avoid large-scale displacement and economic losses.
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