With the latest weather reports predicting heavy rainfall in the coming days, residents of Nakuru County are bracing for potential challenges.

In 2024, some parts of the county experienced devastating impacts, including mudslides, landslides, land fissures, and stretches of agricultural land submerged under water.

As the rains return, there are growing concerns about the possibility of similar or even worse conditions, putting lives, infrastructure, and livelihoods at risk.

Last year questions were raised regarding the expenditure of disaster management funds, with some residents claiming they were ineffective.

In response, Mtaa Wangu reached out to the County’s Department of Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance to inquire about their preparedness this season.

According to John Muchai, a County Disaster Management and Humanitarian Officer, efforts have been ongoing since January, with collaboration between the departments of Environment and Public Works to clear drainages and ensure smooth water flow, especially in high-risk areas such as Nakuru East and West in and out of the city.

“We have also made improvements to drainage embankments, and in some areas, dualling of drainage systems has been completed to connect to the main drains that take water to Ndarugu River,” Muchai explains.

He further says the department has also mapped out high-risk areas, including Kuresoi North, South, and Molo, and has been offering advisory services while issuing alerts to residents.

“We've assessed areas greatly affected last year and conducted sensitizations through administrators to help communities prepare for the rains. Our focus is educating residents about flood risks and safety measures,” Muchai adds.

Additionally, Muchai notes that the county has heavy machinery on standby, including dozers and excavators, ready for deployment in emergencies.

“All alert systems have been activated according to advisories from the meteorological department, and we have funds set aside to support these efforts,” he assures.

As Nakuru County braces for the upcoming rains, authorities are calling on residents to stay vigilant and follow the safety measures outlined by the county government.

At the same time, efforts are underway to prepare for potential impacts, though the true test will come when heavy rains arrive.

Nakuru's emergency department on high alert as heavy rains pound the area

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Leleti Jassor