from MARIA MACHARIA in Nairobi, Kenya
Kenya Bureau
NAIROBI, (CAJ News) – KENYA is bracing for adverse weather and sea conditions between now and the end of the year.
The Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) warned that conditions may include strong winds, rough seas, high waves, heavy rainfall and reduced visibility, which pose a risk to vessels and persons undertaking activities at sea and along the coastline.
The public is advised to avoid venturing into the sea during periods of adverse weather and rough sea conditions.
Boat owners and operators should secure their vessels properly while underway, moored or at anchor.
All passengers and crew should wear life jackets while on board vessels.
Fisherfolk and other stakeholders should exercise extreme caution and postpone non-essential activities at sea when conditions deteriorate.
Vessels already at sea should monitor weather updates and proceed to safe shelter where necessary.
Coastal communities should remain alert to strong winds, high waves and heavy rainfall, and follow instructions from relevant authorities.
Omae Nyarandi, KMA Director General, said the public was urged to continuously monitor official weather and maritime safety information from the Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) and the KMA, and to report maritime incidents and emergencies to the Regional Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (RMRCC).
Charles Owino Wahong’o, government spokesperson, said the administration had stepped up preparedness measures ahead of the onset of the October–November–December (OND) 2026 rainy season.
“We are urging Kenyans to remain vigilant and take early precautions to protect lives, property and livelihoods,” he said.
The government is particularly alert to the possibility of heavy rainfall in some areas, which may lead to flooding, landslides, disruption of transport and essential services, damage to infrastructure and displacement of vulnerable households.
Wahong’o said relevant ministries, departments and agencies, working together with county governments, humanitarian and development partners, had strengthened multi-agency preparedness and response mechanisms.
“The Government calls on all Kenyans to make preparedness a shared responsibility,” he said.
Communities are encouraged to work closely with local administrators, county governments and disaster-response teams, particularly in identifying vulnerable persons and supporting early evacuation where necessary.
The East African country is vulnerable to climate change due to its heavy reliance on climate-sensitive sectors such as rain-fed agriculture and tourism, alongside high levels of poverty and arid geography.
– CAJ News