South Nyanza Meteorological Officer Naphtali Odhoch has said that the region is expected to experience increased rainfall from September to January next year.
Odhoch explained that rains are expected to begin in parts of Rongo and Homa Bay in the coming days before other parts of the region.
The Kenya Meteorological Service Authority released a national climate outlook forum that gives rain focus and distribution of light to heavy rains across the Counties of Homa Bay and Migori.
Odhoch explained that the weather forecast will help disaster management agencies, such as the Kenya Red Cross and the Migori County Government, prepare in advance for floods.
In the 2026/2027 financial year, Migori County allocated a Sh44.2 million budget for emergency preparedness and response to mitigate potential incidents such as floods.
He also advised farmers to start preparing their lands for the short planting season and utilise the rain for maximum crop production.
Meanwhile, Migori Red Cross Coordinator Ms. Marselah Nekesa said that they are engaging the county government and other partners in readiness for the El Niño rains.
Ms. Nekesa said that they have identified parts of Nyatike Sub County as areas that may be affected by floods due to its low-lying nature.
Already, plans are underway to identify rescue centers that can be used as emergency points and coordination centres for those who may be affected by the floods, especially in parts bordering Lake Victoria and Major Rivers like the Migori and Kuja.
“We are in the process of identifying decent and accessible rescue centers as we prepare for the El Niño rains this September all the way to January 2027,” said Nekesa.
The official, however, ruled out schools as one of the areas that will act as rescue centers to avoid disturbing the exam period within the learning institutions.
By Lydia Adhiambo and Makokha Khaoya
