By ERIC JUMA
Siaya County has intensified preparations for the expected El Niño rains, with Governor James Orengo calling for an assessment of gold mining sites, enhanced civic education and a comprehensive response strategy to avert disasters.
The October-December (OND) rains are expected to bring above-normal rainfall across most parts of the country, with some counties in Western, Nyanza and North Eastern regions likely to experience an early onset.
The heavy rains could overwhelm drainage systems, rivers and critical infrastructure, particularly in areas already identified as vulnerable.
Orengo, who chaired a special Implementation Cooperation Committee meeting at his boardroom in Siaya, said the expected rains could cause serious damage and required a comprehensive response strategy.
“We have come up with a sub-committee tasked with assessing gold mines and giving recommendations that will inform a decision that shall thwart disasters during the El Niño rains, which are expected to kick off in October,” said Orengo.
“We have lost gold miners in the past due to loose soils resulting from rains and now that we expect too much rain in October, we shall not take a direction that would put the lives of miners at risk,” he added.
Orengo called for a sensitisation campaign in sub-counties hosting mining sites to alert gold miners to the dangers posed by the heavy rains.
“We shall embark on a sensitisation programme to tame the disaster that may strike as a result of the expected heavy downpour. We value the safety of our gold miners in Siaya. That is why we are advocating for civic education. Currently, Siaya does not have the capacity to rescue miners deeply trapped in the mines,” he said.
His sentiments were echoed by Siaya Deputy County Commissioner Robert Ngetich and Governance Executive Joseph Rading Otieno, who urged gold miners to exercise caution during their mining activities.
“Though the sub-committee set to assess the mining sites will give recommendations that will define the next course of action, they should keep off the activity for their own safety,” said Ngetich.
Siaya County Police Commander Lucy [surname not provided] called for civic education to be extended to schools to help students understand the dangers posed by flooding and prevent drowning incidents.
“I have a concern where school-going children are drowning during the light rains. We should roll out civic education in schools for teachers to talk to their students to avert loss of lives,” she said.
She also urged Kenya Power to remain alert and respond promptly to public distress calls, particularly those involving fallen electricity poles and loose or exposed wires.
“In Rarieda Sub County, we have an issue specifically from Aram Centre to Madiany where several electric poles are almost falling. Last week, a student was burnt after touching a loose electrical wire. So let Kenya Power do something about the hanging wires ahead of the El Niño rains,” she said.
Trade Executive Christine Akinyi Oyuu asked the assessment team to include Aram Market in its list of areas requiring urgent attention, saying the market was prone to flooding.
“Aram Market borders the lake and its drainage system is poor. The earlier we respond to it, the better. Already, complaints have reached my office that Aram is in a bad state and traders have boycotted tax payment,” Oyuu said.
The leaders were responding to a disaster preparedness presentation by Director of Disaster Management George Aola.
Aola said Siaya County would require Sh480 million to respond to the expected El Niño-related disasters.
“Assessment has revealed that Nyadorera and Sifuyo areas that border River Nzoia will be hit badly because the river will burst its banks and cause flooding in Usonga and Sifuyo, West Ugenya,” he said.
Aola said about 72,000 people in 18,000 households were at risk of being affected.
He added that 16,800 people living in 4,200 households were likely to be displaced.
The expected hazards include cholera outbreaks, malaria, landslides and strong winds.
“Bridges, roads, electric power, communications, schools, health facilities and markets will be disrupted by flooding,” Aola said.
“Settlements, livestock, fishing businesses and assets will be disrupted and submerged,” he added.
Aola said Sh23 million would be required to address health-related issues during the El Niño period.
He said another Sh2 million would be required for school assessments, evacuation logistics and emergency renovations.
The Kenya Red Cross Society is also on high alert for the expected rains, with search-and-rescue capacity expanded, emergency supplies pre-positioned and communities urged to take early precautionary measures.
Aola said the Red Cross had so far made two evacuation boats available.
He said the organisation had secured 1,000 blankets, 1,000 mosquito nets, kitchen sets for 500 households, 1,000 bars of soap and 500 packets of water treatment chemicals and Aqua Tabs.
Aola said evacuation centres had also been identified in various parts of the county.
In Usonga Ward, the identified centres include Lunyu Library, Nyambare Pentecostal Church and Uhembo Church.
In West Alego, the county has prioritised Uranga Legion Maria Church and Uranga Catholic Church.
Kirind Catholic Church, Kiring Resource Centre, Orao Centre, Mbolorio Market and Asango Market will host flood victims in West Ugenya.
In East Ugenya, the identified rescue centres include Yogo Church, Konyango, Luthehe Dispensary and an ACK church.
