Bomet County has begun preparations for the anticipated return of El Niño-related heavy rains, with authorities warning of possible flooding, swollen rivers, mudslides, disease outbreaks and damage to critical infrastructure.
The county says it is working on an early-response plan after the Kenya Meteorological Department projected an 81 per cent likelihood of a strong El Niño event between October 2026 and January 2027.
The forecast has prompted county and national government agencies to begin identifying areas likely to be affected and putting measures in place before the rains intensify.
A multi-agency meeting held in Bomet on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, brought together disaster management, environmental, security, meteorological, energy and humanitarian agencies to assess the county\'s preparedness.
Barchok, the Governor of Bomet County, said the county’s priority is to ensure minimal displacement of residents, prevent loss of lives and reduce the spread of diseases associated with flooding. He noted that early planning would help the county respond effectively to any emergencies caused by the heavy rains.
According to the governor, the expected weather conditions could bring rainfall significantly above normal levels in parts of Bomet.
“In Bomet County, the El Nino effect will lead to higher-than-normal rainfall which will lead to swollen rivers, floodings and mudslides in certain regions of the county,” A part of Barchok\'s Facebook post read.
He warned that the effects could extend beyond flooding, with communities facing potential health emergencies and infrastructure damage.
“Other negative effects may include an outbreak of waterborne diseases, damage to infrastructure, submerging of bridges and collapsing of quarries,” the governor said through his Facebook post.
The warnings come as county and national agencies begin coordinating preparations ahead of the projected rainy season.
County maps potential disaster hotspots
The county has identified potential flood and disaster hotspots, proposed holding grounds for residents who may be displaced and planned public awareness campaigns to educate communities on safety measures during the rainy season.
“It is our aim in Bomet, that as a result of prior planning, we experience minimal forced displacement of populations, no outbreak of diseases and no fatalities,” The detailed statement read.
With common setbacks likely to be caused by El Niño rains including swollen rivers, flooding, mudslides, damage to infrastructure, submerging of bridges and possible collapse of quarries the county government has urged residents, especially those living in such areas likly to be affected to remain alert and follow guidance from authorities as preparations continue.
The multi-agency approach is expected to strengthen coordination between national and county government agencies as Bomet braces for the anticipated weather changes
