By Abdikadir Chari
Marsabit Municipality, in partnership with the SND Range Project and Mecci Corps, has begun opening and clearing drainage systems in Marsabit Central Business District (CBD) to prevent loss of lives and destruction of property during the rainy season.
Marsabit Municipal Environment Officer Adhi Sora said the municipality was committed to effective urban management and planning to address recurring challenges, including flooding.
Ms Sora said the partnership with the SND Range Project had enabled drainage works to be undertaken in flood-prone areas, with teams opening and deepening drainage channels, clearing obstructions and improving stormwater flow.
She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving sanitation and creating a healthier environment for residents and traders.
Ms Sora urged residents to dispose of waste properly and avoid dumping plastic waste in drainage systems as the county prepares for the expected El Niño rains.
She also encouraged residents to use designated waste disposal points and harvest rainwater.
Ms Sora said improper disposal of plastic waste was affecting water and sanitation services, particularly when waste found its way into drainage channels and water sources.
“Improper disposal of waste, especially plastics, affects our services by clogging drainage systems and making our efforts to maintain sanitation difficult,” she said.
“Waste disposal is a collective responsibility. It is not the responsibility of the service provider; it starts at the household level, and that is the only way to ensure that the environment remains clean,” she added.
Speaking during the opening of the drainage systems in Marsabit town, SND Range Project Crisis Modifier Officer Bonaya Diid Malla said his organisation, in partnership with Marsabit Municipality and Mecci Corps, had strengthened coordination and information sharing as the county prepares for the anticipated El Niño rains.
Mr Malla said the partners would focus on ensuring that information on emerging risks reaches communities in good time, enabling authorities to respond more quickly to urgent needs.
He said preparedness must begin at the community level, urging residents to take action before disasters strike rather than wait for emergencies to unfold.
“Disaster preparedness begins at the community level. By working together, we can ensure that communities are not only informed about potential risks but are also equipped to take early action. We do not want another case of loss of life during the coming rains,” he said.
He encouraged residents to keep drainage systems and waterways clear, avoid flood-prone areas and identify safe routes and shelters before the rains intensify.
He said his organization now focusing on mass vaccination, livestock/ Fodder offtake, rangeland restoration, and drainage clearing.
County spokesperson Alexander Barille Abduba said disaster management requires coordination among government agencies, communities and other stakeholders.
Mr Abduba appreciated the support from the SND Range Project in opening drainage systems within Marsabit town, as well as other support it continues to provide across the county.
“Effective disaster management requires collaboration among government, communities and stakeholders. Our partnership with the SND Range Project will help strengthen community-level preparedness, information flow and early action ahead of the rainy season,” he said.
The expected El Niño rains have heightened the need for residents and institutions to keep drainage channels clear, particularly in urban areas where large volumes of surface runoff can quickly overwhelm blocked waterways.
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