Kitui County Deputy Governor H.E. Wambua Kanani and Kitui County Commissioner Erastus Mbui among senior County Officials flanking Dr. Julius Malombe, EGH during Elnino Presser, in Governor’s boardroom.
Kitui County Governor H.E. Dr Julius Malombe, EGH has urged residents to take early precautionary measures ahead of the October–November–December (OND) 2026 rainfall season, following forecasts of above-normal rainfall across the County.
The anticipated rains, associated with a strengthening El Niño phenomenon, are expected to bring prolonged wet spells and occasional storms extending into January 2027, raising the risk of floods, landslides, overflowing rivers and other weather-related hazards.
During his address, Dr. Malombe noted that, “While the expected rains present an opportunity to improve water availability, agricultural productivity and livelihoods, *the County Government has cautioned that they could also pose significant risks to lives, infrastructure and essential services.”*
Farmers have been encouraged to take advantage of the rains by preparing their land early, using certified seeds, observing recommended planting windows and adopting soil and water conservation measures.
All Kitui County residents are advised to observe the following safety measures during the rainy season:
1. *DO NOT cross flooded rivers, drifts or waterlogged areas on foot, motorcycle or in a vehicle.*
2. Prevent children and teenagers from *playing or swimming in moving or stagnant water* to avoid drowning.
3. Families living along *riverbanks, downstream of dams, near spillways and in low-lying areas* should identify safer, higher ground and relocate early.
4. *DO NOT shelter under trees* during rains or thunderstorms.
5. Report dam *cracks, overtopping, erosion* or other signs of danger to the nearest administrative offices immediately.
6. Drink boiled or treated water during the rainy season, as clean water sources may be contaminated by sewage, damaged toilets and pit latrines.
7. Clear household drainage and bushes around homesteads to prevent flooding and reduce health risks.
8. Households living in temporary or vulnerable structures should *relocate to safer places* immediately.
9. Protect livestock by providing permanent or temporary shelters.
10. Secure important *documents, food, water containers, emergency lighting* such as torches, and other basic supplies.
11. Sleep under *treated mosquito nets and keep warm to protect against mosquito-borne* and weather-related illnesses.
12. Seek *medical care immediately if you develop any illness, including sudden watery diarrhoea, vomiting, severe weakness* or inability to drink or eat.
13. Act on official warnings early and follow guidance from the County Government and relevant authorities.
The County Government has activated disaster risk management and emergency response structures, intensified dissemination of early warnings in collaboration with the Kenya Meteorological Services Authority and local administrative structures, and launched public awareness campaigns through radio, community meetings and social media.
In case of emergencies, residents can contact the Kitui County Emergency Line on 0702 615 888 or 0143610403, the Kenya Red Cross toll-free line on 1199, or report to the nearest administrative office.
The County Government emphasises that preparedness is a shared responsibility and calls on residents, community leaders and institutions to remain calm, vigilant and united in protecting lives and livelihoods while harnessing the benefits of the anticipated rains.
