By Abdikadir Chari
Marsabit County Commissioner Stanley Kamande has called for urgent measures to be taken ahead of the anticipated El Niño rains, urging relevant authorities to clear drainage systems and waterways in flood-prone areas.
He called on residents and businesses occupying riparian reserves or obstructing waterways to remove the encroachments, warning that blocked drainage systems and continued encroachment were increasing the risk of flooding.
Kamande noted that flooding risks had been exacerbated by encroachment on riparian reserves, obstruction of natural waterways and improper waste disposal.
He emphasised that disaster preparedness and response were collective responsibilities, requiring government departments and other stakeholders to identify high-risk areas, activate contingency measures and take early action to minimise loss of life, destruction of property and disruption of livelihoods.
“As we prepare for the expected weather conditions, I call for closer collaboration among government agencies, humanitarian organisations and communities to strengthen resilience and ensure our response mechanisms are ready,” he said.
Kamande urged stakeholders to shift from reactive disaster response to anticipatory action by identifying risks early and taking decisive measures before disasters strike.
He also called on residents to stay informed, take necessary precautions, avoid known risk areas and heed official advisories.
“Early action can save lives, protect property and safeguard livelihoods,” he said.
“I urge both government agencies and humanitarian actors to embrace anticipatory action and develop clear protocols that will enable timely interventions before disasters strike, rather than waiting to respond after damage has already occurred,” he added.
Marsabit County Chief of Staff Abdo Alla said Governor Mohamud Ali’s administration was committed to shifting from responding to disasters after they occur to investing in prevention, preparedness, early warning systems and community resilience.
He emphasised that effective disaster risk management required coordinated action among government agencies and development partners.
“Disaster risk reduction is a shared responsibility that requires all stakeholders to work together before, during and after disasters,” he said.
Alla urged residents living in flood-prone areas to take precautionary measures before the rains begin.
He warned the public against crossing flooded rivers, roads and bridges, urging motorists and pedestrians not to attempt to pass through moving floodwaters.
SND Range Project Manager Mohammed Wario outlined measures undertaken by his organisation in partnership with Marsabit Municipality to clear drainage systems in flood-prone areas of Marsabit Central.
He said the 10-day exercise, which engaged 25 casual workers, should be regarded as a life-saving intervention aimed at protecting residents from flooding.
“We are not just doing work; we are saving lives. We aim to do more work to save more lives,” he said.
Wario urged residents in flood-prone areas to relocate to safer ground where necessary and take early precautionary measures, including clearing drainage channels around their homes and installing gutters to direct rainwater away from buildings.
“We cannot wait for the rains to come before we act. We must be proactive and address the challenges we know lie ahead,” he said.
He said early action was critical in preventing loss of life and reducing the impact of weather-related disasters on communities.
Wario added that weather advisories had been disseminated to villages to sensitise residents about the anticipated conditions and the precautions they needed to take.
Marsabit Municipality Environment Officer Adhi Sora commended the SND Range Project and Mercy Corps for their collaboration in clearing drainage systems and waterways across Marsabit town.
She said the interventions would help reduce flooding risks and protect residents, calling on other agencies to support government efforts to clear drainage channels ahead of the anticipated El Niño rains.
Marsabit Municipality, in partnership with the SND Range Project and Mercy Corps, undertook the drainage clearance exercise to ensure stormwater could flow freely through drainage channels during periods of heavy rainfall.
The initiative is aimed at reducing the risk of flooding, protecting lives and property, and strengthening the town’s preparedness for extreme weather conditions.
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