Turkana County Steering Group (CSG) has developed contingency plans for the upcoming October, November, and December (OND) short rain season, which is expected to have above-normal rainfall.
The plan, formulated in collaboration with multiple stakeholders, is designed to support farmers, pastoralists, traders, and institutions whose livelihoods are directly impacted by rainfall patterns.
Director of Disaster Risk Management Benedict Mukoo emphasised the importance of such plans in ensuring timely and effective responses to emergencies.
She acknowledged resource allocation challenges that often hamper the full implementation of these plans.
“Communities in Turkana have been made vulnerable by unpredictable climatic changes. A contingency plan will be crucial in safeguarding them in times of crisis, we have a collective responsibility to ensure a coordinated response, and this plan is part of that effort,” Mukoo said.
Director of Meteorological Services in Turkana, Francis Muinda, said predictions by his department aligned with traditional rain pattern readings.
“We expect near-normal to slightly above-normal rains during the OND period, and there is a potential for flash floods,” Muinda said.
He added that the forecast was sufficient to warrant the development of a robust contingency plan.
Jacob Ekaran of the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) said the plan aims to guide disaster response through evidence-based and timely information.
The collaborative effort between CSG and the Meteorological Department seeks to ensure the effective dissemination of weather-related information to all relevant sectors,
This will allow for swift action and mitigate the risks posed by extreme weather conditions.
