Former Chief Justice and United Green Movement leader David Maraga has sounded the alarm over Kenya's readiness for the anticipated 2026/2027 El Niño season, warning that the country risks catastrophic floods without swift government intervention.

In a statement released on July 28, Maraga highlighted forecasts from the Kenya Meteorological Department, World Meteorological Organization, and ICPAC that predict an exceptionally strong El Niño event starting October 2026. He stressed that failure to prepare could expose millions of Kenyans to severe humanitarian and economic damage.

Key Risks Highlighted

  • Agriculture: Farmers in Western Kenya and the Rift Valley face potential post-harvest losses due to excessive rains if crops are not properly dried and stored.
  • Infrastructure: Flooding threatens roads, bridges, schools, and markets across multiple counties.
  • Public Health: Poor sanitation during floods may trigger outbreaks of cholera, malaria, and typhoid.

Maraga criticized the government for what he termed negligence in disaster preparedness, accusing authorities of reactive rather than proactive responses.

Proposed Interventions

To mitigate the looming crisis, Maraga proposed five immediate measures:

  • Deploy government-supported mobile drying units and harvesting equipment to vulnerable farming areas.
  • Release county disaster mitigation funds promptly.
  • Pre-position emergency medical supplies in high-risk zones.
  • Publish clear evacuation plans for flood-prone communities.
  • Invest in decentralized water-harvesting infrastructure to manage excess rainfall.

He also urged Parliament to expedite the Ukombozi Petition, which aims to mobilize unemployed youth in public works such as drainage clearance and riverbank reinforcement to enhance disaster resilience.

Maraga concluded that the government must be held accountable for any preventable loss of life or property resulting from inadequate preparation. His warnings come amid heightened alerts from the Kenya Meteorological Department advising residents in flood-prone areas to stay vigilant as the rainy season approaches.