A special committee has been formed by Langata sub-county administration to oversee the preparedness for the expected El Nino rains and also to lay down mechanisms that shall be employed in case of floods.
The committee which was formed following a resolution by various stakeholders on Wednesday, comprises various stakeholders from Kibera, Langata, Karen, Nairobi West and other surrounding areas in collaboration with county and national government representatives.
Chaired by Hesbone Kayesi, acting deputy county Commissioner of Langata sub-county, the team has representatives from local administration, Kenya Red Cross Society, media, community leadership, sub-county Public Health department, National Youth Service project in Kibera, and county environment department.
The committee is expected to spearhead sensitisation and creation of awareness in a bid to enhance preparedness among the residents of the high risk areas.
During the first meeting on Wednesday, it laid down some of the pro-measures of combating the anticipated floods. They include identifying strategic rescue centers within the areas where the victims of the floods would be assisted, informing the public through various media on the possibilities of flash-floods, potential outbreak of diseases, frequent power outage, poor visibility, and slippery roads for motorists and pedestrians.
"We have just started the process of ensuring the safety of the people through this committee; it is important to be pro-active by sensitising them because majority of them still don't believe that there can be above normal rainfall. It is our obligation to make them aware and also prepare accordingly," stated Kayesi during the Wednesday meeting.
Notable individuals in the committee include Langata sub-county Public Health Officer Dr Charles Warutere, Makina ward administrator Grace Kariuki and Kenya Red Cross Society, Langata and Karen Branch coordinator Evans Gacheru.
Also playing a pivotal role in the committee are the chiefs; Rose Kibocha of Nairobi-West, Josephine Oluoch of Langata Location, F.J.O Waneno of Karen, Danvas Mogire of Sarang'ombe, and acting senior chief of Kibera Shaban Juma among others.
Various leaders have began passing messages of preparation to the residents the areas through Pamoja FM, a community radio station in Kibera as well as social media.