Counties have been urged to set up emergency operation centres in anticipation of the predicted El Nino rains.
The Ministry of Health in a statement on Thursday said it was working with counties and other partners to ensure health services are not interrupted during that period.
PS Public Health Mary Muthoni said the ministry is collaborating closely with county governments and Partners to ensure the National Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) is activated and operational.
The Kenya PHEOC was inaugurated in 2016 by the ministry and tasked with the responsibility of coordinating the preparedness for and response to public health emergencies.
The centre played a vital role in an effective, well-coordinated and efficient system for response during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The centre, according to the PS, will be relied on for issuing early warning signs and alerts.
“County Emergency Operation Centres are expected to be activated promptly, with 18 already established,” Muthoni said.
The ministry further disclosed that it is working with counties to ensure stockpiles of emergency response health supplies and materials are readily available.
In addition, the focus is on establishing temporary health facilities in areas prone to flooding hence populations may be need to evacuated, or rescued.
"The Ministry of Health, as a critical sector in the broader multi-agency response mechanism of the government, will continue to provide information following established incident command system protocols as the health situation evolves," the PS said.
Temporary facilities will also be established in area where facilities may become inaccessible due to floods.
Muthoni further said the ministry will ensure health facilities are well-stocked ahead of the rains to prevent supply shortages.
