Kwale steps up preparedness as El Niño rains loom

KWALE, County—Kwale County has stepped up preparations for the anticipated October–December El Niño rains, with authorities identifying several areas as vulnerable to flooding and other weather-related risks.

The county administration has classified Kwale as a high-risk area due to its vulnerability to heavy rainfall, flash floods and rising sea levels. Areas identified as particularly vulnerable include Kiwegu, Perani, Jasini and Majoreni in Lungalunga, as well as Diani and Ukunda in Msambweni, and parts of Matuga and Kinango.

Kwale Governor Fatuma Masudi has said the county has activated local multi-agency response teams and village elders to strengthen early warning systems and coordinate the relocation of residents who may be affected by flooding.

Residents living on riparian land have been urged to move to safer and higher ground before the rains intensify. The county has also identified social halls, churches and mosques that can be used as temporary rescue centres in flood-prone areas, including Vanga, Diani-Ukunda and Shimoni.

The preparedness measures were discussed during a meeting of the county’s Disaster Management Committee led by County Commissioner David Rotich. Representatives from the county government, Kenya Red Cross, National Drought Management Authority, Plan International and other agencies attended the meeting.

The county says the multi-agency approach is intended to ensure that early warnings reach vulnerable communities and that emergency teams are ready to respond before the situation deteriorates.

The preparations come as Kenya braces for enhanced rainfall during the October–December 2026 short-rains season. The Kenya Meteorological Department says above-average rainfall is expected in Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi and other parts of the Coast.

The national government has also called for early action, warning that weather forecasts must be translated into practical measures that protect lives, livelihoods and infrastructure. Officials have emphasised the need for communities and agencies to act before extreme weather causes disasters.

The Kenya Red Cross has separately warned that 46 of Kenya’s 47 counties could receive above-average rainfall during the season, putting more than two million people at risk of the effects of flooding and other weather-related emergencies. The organisation has identified the coastal counties among areas of concern.

Kenya Red Cross officials say preparedness efforts include strengthening rescue teams, issuing early warnings, reviewing contingency plans and positioning boats and other equipment for possible evacuations.

The warning is significant for Kwale, where low-lying settlements, riverine areas and parts of the coastline could face increased risks if heavy rainfall overwhelms drainage systems and waterways.

For residents in vulnerable areas, county authorities are now urging early action rather than waiting for flooding to occur.

The message from the county is clear: communities living in high-risk areas should heed official warnings, identify safe evacuation points and be ready to move to higher ground when advised.

With October approaching, Kwale’s preparedness efforts will now be tested by the onset and intensity of the forecast rains.