Kitui County Government in partnership with the Kenya Red Cross has launched a countywide El Nino awareness campaign to sensitise residents on effects and possible dangers of the impending above normal October – December rains.
Deputy Governor Mr. Augustine Wambua Kanani who on Wednesday led the town residents in waterway and drainages unblocking exercise at Kalundu shopping centre in Kitui municipality said the county administration would leave nothing to chance in preparing the residents for the expected rains.
The Meteorological Department issued an alert that Kitui is among counties likely to experience an El Nino phenomenon in the October-December rain season.
“As a County Government, we are taking all the necessary precautions, including unclogging of drainage systems in urban areas and proper garbage management, to forestall possible flooding and outbreak of water-borne-diseases,” said Kanani.
He also warned residents against crossing or driving across flooded rivers to avoid incidents of drowning as witnessed in the past.
The Deputy Governor reiterated the County administration’s dedicated effort to foster awareness safety measures and mitigation activities aimed at ensuring the safety of the public during the short rain season.
Kanani evoked memories of the devastating El Niño floods in 1997 and 2006, which resulted in tragic loss of many lives through drowning in swollen rivers. He emphatically urged residents to exercise caution and avoid crossing flooded rivers.
The DG also stressed the significance of responsible garbage disposal as a preventive measure against waterborne diseases like Bilharzia, which have been a pressing issue in major towns including the County headquarter, Kitui.
He urged those engaged in construction activities near drainage systems to halt their work temporarily, considering the increased risk of accidents.
Kanani assured the community that the County Government was diligently working towards achieving a cleaner town. “This will be achieved through extensive garbage collection efforts in both major and minor towns across the vast County,” he said.
He also disclosed plans for relocating the waste disposal area to the outskirts of town, a move designed to enhance overall sanitation.
Speaking during the same event, MCA Kitui Township Ward Mr. Daniel Ngoima Kimanzi lauded the initiative, underlining that “The town is us”, and emphasised that the responsibility for maintaining cleanliness rested with the community.
Kimanzi urged residents not to pile garbage, thus contributing to the eradication of diseases like Cholera from Kitui’s history.
The Deputy Governor was accompanied by area MCA Daniel Ngoma, CECM Lands and Urban Development Eng Reuben Itiko, CECM for Roads, Public Works and Boodaboda, Red Cross officials among others.
By Denson Mututo and James John
