The County Government of Trans-Nzoia has officially adopted its El Niño Multi-Agency Preparedness Contingency Plan for the October-November-December (OND) 2026 rainy season, outlining coordinated interventions to protect lives, livelihoods, infrastructure and essential public services.

The plan was reviewed and ratified during a high-level executive meeting chaired by County Secretary Madam Truphosa Amere and co-chaired by the CECM for Public Service Management and Governance, Mr. Samson Ojwang. The meeting brought together members of the County Executive Committee and Chief Officers to assess the county’s preparedness and agree on priority risk-mitigation measures.

The strategic presentation was delivered by the Director of Disaster Management and Emergency, Mr. Davis Lumbasi, with technical briefings from the Trans-Nzoia County Meteorological Director, Mr. Edward Amoni, and Kenya Red Cross Coordinator, Madam Ruth Jelagat.

The contingency framework provides a coordinated roadmap for preparedness, early warning, emergency response and recovery, with particular attention to communities and sectors exposed to weather-related risks.

1. Understanding Trans-Nzoia’s Weather-Related Risks

Trans-Nzoia’s geographical features, agricultural activity and settlement patterns make proactive disaster preparedness essential, particularly during periods of above-normal rainfall.

The county’s high-elevation plateau, proximity to Mount Elgon and the Cherang’any Hills, and river systems, including the Sabwani and Nzoia, expose different areas to flooding, soil erosion, landslides and mudslides.

Previous heavy-rainfall episodes have demonstrated the potential impact of such events, including:

• Damage to bridges and rural access roads.
• Disruption of transport and access to markets.
• Crop destruction and post-harvest losses.
• Contamination of water sources and increased risk of waterborne diseases.

The OND 2026 preparedness plan therefore provides for early activation of emergency measures, informed by meteorological updates and local risk assessments.

2. Identified High-Risk Areas Across the County

The County Disaster Management Unit has identified vulnerable areas to guide preparedness activities and the deployment of emergency response resources.

The key risk areas include:

• Flood-prone areas: Low-lying settlements along riverbanks, structural depressions in Endebess and vulnerable sections of Saboti and Kwanza Sub-Counties.
• Landslide and mudslide zones: Steep and heavily cultivated slopes along the Cherang’any Hills and Mount Elgon borders.
• Urban and informal settlements: Areas exposed to poor drainage, stormwater overflows and sanitation challenges.
• Agricultural valleys: Farming communities vulnerable to flooding, crop submersion and disruptions to agricultural livelihoods.

The risk mapping is intended to support targeted interventions, improve resource allocation and strengthen the county’s capacity to respond promptly to emergencies.

3. Sector-Based Preparedness and Mitigation Measures

The contingency plan outlines specific risks and interventions across key county departments and service delivery sectors.

Water, Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change

Potential risks include damage to water treatment pipelines, contamination of shallow wells and siltation of dams.

Planned interventions include:

• Distribution of water treatment chemicals.
• Protection of community boreholes and other water sources.
• Reinforcement of vulnerable riverbanks using gabions.
• Monitoring of water quality and infrastructure exposed to flooding.

Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperatives

Heavy rainfall could result in crop losses, post-harvest deterioration, submerged fish ponds and increased livestock disease risks, including Rift Valley Fever.

The proposed interventions include:

• Facilitating access to mobile grain-drying facilities.
• Supporting alternative grain storage arrangements through cooperatives.
• Strengthening livestock disease surveillance.
• Implementing targeted livestock vaccination campaigns.

Public Works, Roads, Transport and Energy

Flooding and heavy rainfall may cause blocked culverts, damaged bridges, impassable roads and fallen power lines.

The county plans to:

• Pre-position heavy earth-moving equipment for emergency response.
• Clear and maintain major urban stormwater drainage systems.
• Monitor vulnerable roads, bridges and culverts.
• Coordinate with Kenya Power on emergency response to fallen power lines and electrical hazards.

Health Services and Sanitation

Heavy rainfall increases the risk of waterborne diseases such as cholera and typhoid, as well as vector-borne illnesses, including malaria.

The proposed measures include:

• Stockpiling emergency medical supplies and treatment kits at Level 4 and rural health facilities.
• Strengthening disease surveillance across sub-counties.
• Monitoring potential disease outbreaks.
• Intensifying public health and sanitation awareness campaigns.

Education, Vocational Training and Trade

Flooding may disrupt learning, damage school infrastructure, affect examination access and interfere with trading activities in local markets.

Planned interventions include:

• Identifying alternative safe access routes for learners.
• Mapping suitable public facilities for use as emergency examination centres where necessary.
• Strengthening the resilience of market shelters and infrastructure.
• Coordinating preparedness measures to minimise disruption to education and trade.

4. Multi-Agency Coordination, Early Warning and Emergency Response

The county’s preparedness framework places emphasis on coordinated action among government departments, national government agencies, humanitarian organisations and local communities.

Emergency Coordination Structure

The response architecture provides for three key coordination levels:

• County Disaster Steering Committee: Provides strategic oversight and coordination, chaired by the Governor and County Commissioner.
• Emergency Operations Centre: Serves as the central monitoring, information and coordination hub, with provision for round-the-clock operations.
• Sub-County Rapid Response Units: Coordinate localised emergency response, search and rescue, and distribution of relief supplies.

Early Warning and Community Monitoring

The county will work with the Kenya Meteorological Department to translate weather information into actionable local alerts.

The measures include:

• Using meteorological updates to inform local preparedness and response.
• Disseminating alerts through vernacular radio broadcasts and bulk SMS.
• Engaging local administrators and village elders in monitoring river levels and identifying emerging threats.
• Strengthening communication between communities and emergency response teams.

Evacuation and Emergency Supplies

High-ground public primary schools, social halls and church grounds have been identified and pre-vetted as potential temporary emergency shelters.

The County Government, working with the Kenya Red Cross Society, has also commenced the stockpiling of essential relief supplies, including non-food items, emergency bedding, medical supplies and temporary shelter kits.

5. Public Advisory: What Residents Should Do

As the county strengthens its preparedness measures, residents, businesses and other stakeholders are urged to take precautionary steps and remain alert to changing weather conditions.

The County Government advises residents to:

1. Move to safer, higher ground: Households in vulnerable areas along the Sabwani River basin and steep hillsides should take precautionary measures and relocate to designated safe areas where necessary.
2. Clear drainage systems: Property owners and business operators should clear blocked drains within their premises to minimise localised flooding.
3. Avoid flooded rivers and bridges: Residents should never attempt to cross flooded rivers, streams or bridges, whether on foot or using vehicles.
4. Follow verified information: Rely on official county communication channels, the Kenya Meteorological Department and accredited media outlets for weather alerts and emergency instructions.
5. Protect livelihoods and property: Farmers and households should take appropriate measures to safeguard crops, livestock, essential documents and other property against potential weather-related damage.

6. Emergency Contacts and Rapid Response Desk

Residents requiring emergency assistance or wishing to report disaster-related incidents can use the following contacts:

• County Emergency Operations Hotline: 0719770770
• Kenya Red Cross – Trans-Nzoia: 0716297499
• Email: disaster@transnzoia.go.ke

Strengthening Countywide Preparedness

The adoption of the OND 2026 El Niño Multi-Agency Preparedness Contingency Plan marks an important step in strengthening Trans-Nzoia County’s disaster risk management and emergency response capacity.

Through coordinated planning, early warning systems, community participation and sector-specific interventions, the County Government seeks to minimise the potential effects of heavy rainfall while safeguarding residents, infrastructure, agricultural production and essential services.

Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant, take preventive action and cooperate with relevant authorities throughout the rainy season.