El Nino: Nakuru residents express mixed reactions to county government's preparedness
Water levels being dangerously high at Mwariki bridge at Barut location.
Kenya Meteorological Department issued a warning of El Niño rains expected to hit the country from October to January 2024.
Some of the areas to be affected in Nakuru County include, Mwariki, Kivumbini, Pipeline, Bondeni, Manyani, Shauri Yako, Soko Mjinga, Naka and Free Area.
This announcement sparked panic, with many taking to their social media accounts to express their concerns. Hoping that the rains will not be as bad as the last El Niño in 1998.
But if this year's rains are just as bad, is Nakuru County really prepared?
Mtaa Wangu spoke to various people from some of the areas that will be affected to find out.
Speaking to area chiefs Joseph Macharia and William Kipchirchir, Mwariki A location and DCC Rongai sub-county respectively, a picture of hope is painted.
"Mwariki is a pathway for storm water, so whenever heavy rains hit Nakuru, many people here are affected by flooding and some are even displaced. In this particular location, we are happy to see the county's efforts to prepare for the expected El Nino rains by constructing drainage systems in various parts of Mwariki A," said Mr Macharia.
This sentiment is echoed by DCC William Kipchirchir, who is happy with the county government's efforts in sensitising the public, constructing drainage channels and unblocking existing drainage systems.
Ongoing construction of drainage systems at Mwariki A location.
However, there are still some challenges that they continue to face. As an area that is a pathway for storm water, locals are usually advised to relocate to other areas in Nakuru, something that does not go down well with landlords.
"Landlords usually get angry during sensitisation forums when we offer relocation as one of the preparations ahead of El Niño because it will affect their livelihoods," says Mr Macharia.
Another challenge the Mwariki A site faces during periods of heavy rainfall is water-borne diseases caused by the mixing of sewage with tap water that is later consumption.
"About four years ago, during a period of heavy rains, we lost two children to cholera. Even as I conduct the El Nino sensitisation barazas, I am very keen to sensitise the residents here about boiling water to kill germs before consumption," he said.
The story is different in Barut, whose chief notes that they have not really felt the district government's efforts in terms of putting in place mitigation plans ahead of the rains.
Rundown and unclogged drainage channel at Barut location with vegetation growing inside of it.
"The only notable thing that has been done in this area before El Niño is the sensitisation barazas. Apart from that, there has been no construction of drainage systems here and even the ones that exist are dilapidated with vegetation even growing inside them," said Mr Joseph Oyawa.
David Kahoro, a resident of Barut, notes that the lack of clearing or even construction of drainage systems in the area is disheartening given the area's history of flooding.
"Just recently, some of us here, including myself, were displaced when Lake Nakuru burst. After such a traumatic and life-changing experience, you would think that the government would be keen to ensure that such a terrible thing doesn't happen again, but sadly this is not the case," says David Kahoro with a heavy heart.
"Not only is the river heavily polluted, but the water is stagnant and dangerously high. Due to poor planning, El Niño is another disaster waiting to happen here," says Mr Kahoro.