El Niño declared a national security concern as government urges Kenyans to heed safety measures - September 2026

The Kenyan government is intensifying its preparations for the anticipated El Niño rains, with El Niño declared a national security concern. The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has assured motorists of their safety during the anticipated El Niño rains. The Cabinet Secretary for Water, Eric Mugaa, has issued a stern warning to contractors working on water dam projects in Tana River County, demanding the completion of these crucial projects before the onset of the El Nino rains. The government has also allocated KSh 281.2 million towards 17 water projects in Makueni, Kitui, Machakos, and Kajiado counties to mitigate the effects of the anticipated El Niño rains.