Marsabit Municipality has stepped up preparedness measures ahead of the anticipated El Niño rains,with the municipality clearing drainage systems and sensitising residents in flood-prone areas to minimise the risk and impact of flooding.
The municipality is working with the SND Range Project and Mercy Corps to clear drainage channels and improve the flow of stormwater ahead of the expected heavy rains.
Under the partnership, more than 25 casual workers have been engaged to identify and address blockages in drainage channels and remove illegally dumped waste obstructing waterways within the town.
The municipality has blamed residents and businesses for widespread illegal dumping, saying the practice clogs drainage systems and contributes to persistent flooding during heavy rains.
SND Range Project manager Mohammed Wario, who on Tuesday supervised the clearing of drainage channels and illegally dumped waste, said the exercise was part of flood mitigation measures being implemented ahead of the rains.
He said waste dumped along drainage corridors would continue to be removed to restore waterways and improve the flow of stormwater.
“Our El Niño interventions are already underway within the town. We are deepening and widening drainage channels. We will continue with urgency because these works are critical to protecting lives and property,” he said.
Mohammed said the drainage works were aimed at reducing the risk of flooding during periods of heavy rainfall.
“As we prepare the town for the El Niño rains, our 25 youths are on the ground clearing drains and removing waste. This is about prevention—ensuring water has a clear path to flow and reducing the risk of flooding,” he said.
He appealed to residents to stop dumping waste in drainage channels.
“We strongly advise residents to keep the drainage system clean,” he said.
SND Range Project Crisis Modifier officer Bonaya Diid Malla urged residents to stay informed about weather forecasts, monitor changing weather conditions and remain alert to the risks of flooding.
“As we clear and open up the drainages, we implore citizens to desist from illegal dumping in drainage channels and waterways,” he said.
Malla said his organisation would ensure early warning information on emerging flood risks reaches communities to enable swift emergency responses by authorities.
He said maintaining a clean environment was a collective responsibility, stressing that everyone had a role to play in keeping the town free of waste.
“We cannot achieve a clean and flood-resilient town through the efforts of the municipality and partners alone,” Malla said.
Marsabit Municipality environment officer Adhi Sora said the partnership with the SND Range Project and Mercy Corps had enabled targeted drainage works in flood-prone areas.
She said the 25 youths were opening and deepening drainage channels, removing obstructions and improving stormwater flow.
“We have started clearing drainages. Everybody should refrain from dumping refuse in drainage channels and ensure that the areas around their homes are kept clean,” she said.
Adhi said reckless disposal of garbage remained a major challenge in managing waste in Marsabit town.
Poor management of solid waste, Adhi said affects the environment and can lead to pollution of neighbouring dams.
“We destroy our environment when we fail to correctly dispose of solid waste. Cleanliness of our town starts at an individual level, and every person is expected to dispose of waste only at designated areas,” she said.
She emphasised that maintaining a clean environment required collective effort, warning that continued negligence could reverse gains made in improving the town’s hygiene standards.
“Cleanliness cannot be achieved by the authorities alone. Every resident must take responsibility for how they handle their waste,” she said.
Adhi said proper waste management remained key to preventing pollution and reducing the risk of disease outbreaks associated with poor sanitation.
She urged households and businesses to dispose of garbage at designated areas, noting that community participation was critical to sustaining a clean and healthy environment.
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