Government flags 18 counties as high-risk El Niño areas

The government has classified 18 counties as high-risk El Niño areas as it races to prepare for heavy rains and flooding expected from October. Environment CS Deborah Mulongo says the rains could be intense and last through February 2027, prompting calls for people living on riparian land to move to safer areas. A multi-agency team is also working to avert a humanitarian and environmental crisis around Lakes Baringo and Bogoria, among the high-risk areas. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health is preparing temporary medical facilities, emergency services and nutritional assessments in affected counties. The Kenya Meteorological Department says El Niño conditions are gaining momentum in the Indian Ocean. Seth Olale has the latest on the forecast and preparedness.