Full Breakdown
Kenya Activates El Niño Health Preparedness Plan in 18 High-Risk Counties
By Drooid · · How we work
Plan Activation and Key Measures
On Sep 9 the Ministry of Health announced the activation of an El Niño preparedness plan covering 18 counties identified as most vulnerable to the October-December rains. The plan calls for temporary medical structures, emergency medical services, health-promotion campaigns, nutritional assessments, safe-water and sanitation interventions, logistics support, and protection of critical health infrastructure and supplies. Starting in November, the ministry will distribute 10 million treated mosquito nets to protect more than four million people at heightened risk of malaria. A Cabinet memorandum proposes a monthly national cleanliness day, modeled on Rwanda’s community-cleaning programme, to reduce waste accumulation and blocked drainage ahead of the rains.
Background: 2023 Flood Impact and Lessons Learned
The 2023 El Niño season affected 43 counties, flooding 750,000 people, displacing families, damaging homes, roads and farms, and overwhelming health facilities. Outbreaks of cholera, typhoid and dysentery followed contaminated water supplies, while the World Health Organization (WHO) recorded 120 deaths, 93,000 households and above-normal rainfall in 33 counties. Officials say those experiences highlighted gaps in disease surveillance and emergency logistics, prompting the current, more coordinated approach.
Data & Statistics
- 18 high-risk counties (Coast, Lake Basin, Rift Valley, North Eastern, plus Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu).
- 10 million mosquito nets to be handed out from November, targeting >4 million vulnerable Kenyans.
- 750,000+ people affected by 2023 floods (climate-health assessments).
- 120 deaths, 93,000 households impacted (WHO, late Nov 2023).
- 43 counties suffered flooding in 2023 (Ministry of Health).
Official Statements & Responses
Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni emphasized that the government cannot manage the response alone and urged development and health partners to complement state efforts, especially where flooding could overwhelm facilities. She noted that the upcoming Kenya Public Health International Conference (KEPHIC, Oct 27-29) will provide a platform to review past emergencies and strengthen partnerships. The ministry also highlighted ongoing strengthening of disease surveillance, emergency response teams, and coordination with county governments and humanitarian actors.
Verbatim Quote
“We have experienced El Niño before, and we have taken time to learn from past disasters and build on the challenges we faced so that we can better mitigate its effects,” — Mary Muthoni, professional standards principal
