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Kibera residents have been advised to take safety precautions ahead of the El Nino rains expected to pour down in October.

Various leaders have expressed concern over the sluggish reaction of the residents to the forecast announced recently by the Kenya Meteorological Department.

The Nairobi government has stated that the primary responsibility lies with the residents.

"We have come out openly to warn the public of the expected rains next month. The county government cannot be everywhere during the floods and that is why we are empowering the people; it is the responsibility of the residents to prepare adequately so as to stay safe," said Evans Ondieki, Environment, Water, Energy, Forestry and Natural Resources CeC.

He spoke on Thursday after the official launch of the Safi-e cooker in Kibera.

"The Nairobi government has also put emergency measures in place to assist during the floods. The county has set aside Sh1 billion for the same and also expecting subsidy from the national government. We have also put in place, tractors and safety equipment that shall be used to protect the public," he added.

According to Kibra MP Ken Okoth, residents who are living in high risk areas should move to safer places before it is too late. 

"Residents should not wait until the last minute especially those in flood-prone areas. It is in order for everyone to take full responsibility to avoid putting all the blame to the leaders," said Okoth in an exclusive conversation.

He spoke on the sidelines of a peace meeting at Hekima University on Thursday.

The World Health Organisation and the International Research Institute for Climate and Society at Columbia University warned that malaria outbreak is likely in Kenya as a result of the El Nino rains.

On the same note, medical practitioners in Kibera have appealed to the public to embrace safety measures in order to keep their families healthy.

"Parents will be required to keep their families warm throughout the period to prevent diseases such as asthma. There is also the likelihood of typhoid outbreak and residents should be wary," said Dr David Oloo of Neema Clinic in Kibera on Wednesday.