The government seeks to raise Kes 33 billion to mitigate the effects of the expected El-Nino rains in the country from October to December 2023.
In a report released by the East African Community, Arid and Semi-Arid Lands and Regional Development Cabinet Secretary(CS) Rebbeca Miano on Wednesday, the money will be used between September and January 2024 when the rains commence.
"It is critical that more funds be utilized to support sectoral interventions for recovery and the expected El Nino rains," part of the report reads.
During the report's release, Miano said that the budget will address food security, livelihood resilience, agriculture, water and sanitation, livestock health and nutrition, education, child protection, and security.
This comes shortly after the Kenya Meteorological Department warned about the likelihood of El Niño rainfall occurring in the country between October and December 2023.
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Kenya Meteorological Department Director General David Gikungu said during this period, the country will experience heightened rainfall and the potential for flooding and landslides in some areas.
Gikungu emphasized the importance of proactive preparations by the relevant government agencies to mitigate possible deaths and loss of property in the forecast.
“The short rains during the period will have both negative and positive impacts across various sectors hence there is a need for adequate preparations,” Gikungu said.
Since then, the Kenya Red Cross has started coordinating activities to prepare for the impending rains efficiently.
The areas most impacted are the Lake Victoria Basin, Highlands West of the Rift Valley, Central Rift Valley, and South Rift Valley. These areas include Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, Baringo, Uasin Gishu, West Pokot, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi, Kericho, Bungoma, Kakamega, Busia, Trans Nzoia Counties.
