By Boniface Harrison – Executive Director, MuemAction Post
Recent reports from the Kenya Meteorological Department indicate an increased likelihood of El Niño towards the end of 2026. El Niño has often come with increased rainfall in Kenya and while the rains are welcome in many areas, enhanced rainfall can also have far-reaching consequences, including flooding, damage to infrastructure, disruption of businesses and transport, destruction of property, displacement of communities and, in the worst cases, loss of lives.
But honestly, why should we worry? We have done this before. We know what happens. And, most importantly, we are prepared.
Unlike previous occasions, this time we have evolved. First, our cars are amphibious. Kenyan cars are not ordinary cars. These are highly sophisticated vehicles capable of negotiating everything from wide potholes to a drainage channel masquerading as a highway.
So when the rains come and Nairobi roads transform into swimming pools, there is absolutely no reason to panic. Just drive. If the water reaches the tyres, keep driving. If it reaches the doors, keep driving. If the bonnet disappears, that is simply an opportunity to test the vehicle’s aquatic capabilities.
After all, what is a flood if not an unexpected car wash?
Secondly, especially in Eastern Kenya, our rivers are a spectacular tourist attraction. After many months of dry spells, we can finally see water returning to our rivers. The sight is beautiful. Suddenly, the river is alive. It is roaring, overflowing and carrying water downstream. Beautiful. Absolutely beautiful.
We love the sound. We love the scenery. We love the way the water moves in backflips as it passes by. And, because we are an adventurous people, we especially love testing the waters in the most literal sense. We stand at the riverbank and say, “Ona vile hii maji ni mingi leo” Then, after establishing that the water has indeed risen significantly, we proceed to cross it.
Because we are talented swimmers. The thing is inborn.
We don’t necessarily need functioning bridges, clear warning signs, public education or enforcement of restrictions around dangerous crossings. We have courage. And courage, as we all know, is an excellent substitute for a bridge. If the water is moving faster than usual, that is merely a test of character. If the bridge has been washed away, we improvise. If someone warns us not to cross, we ask them, “Kwani unadahani mimi ni nani?”
And off we go.
There is another reason we should not worry: we have internet bundles, one of the most advanced disaster-response systems. The moment the first road floods, someone will post a video. The moment the first river bursts its banks, another person will send a warning to fourteen groups. The moment somebody’s house is surrounded by water, the video will reach TikTok. And within minutes, the entire country will know. Preparedness has never been easier. Infact, it’s not a must to have an emergency operations centre. You need bundles. Lots of bundles. And perhaps a power bank.
And if, despite all these sophisticated preparations, somebody’s home happens to be swept by the floods, there is still no reason to worry. After a few hours, helicopters will appear in the sky. Out will step people wearing those unmistakable rescue-operation jackets, looking thoroughly prepared for the cameras, you might even mistake them for humanitarian workers. They will arrive carrying blankets, bread, flour, cooking oil, drinking water and other essential foodstuffs.
Some of these items will be proudly labelled NOT FOR SALE. Others may come with the smiling face of the incoming so-and-so printed boldly across the packaging. Just so that you do not forget who stood with you when you had nothing. Then, let’s clap for Mheshimiwa, he has delivered. He is indeed overworking. We shall remember in 2027. “Asante Mhesh kwa kutukumbuka.”
We also have something even more powerful than flood-control infrastructure: deep concern.
The moment disaster strikes, there will be press statements expressing deepest concern.
We will be “deeply saddened,” “deeply concerned,” “monitoring the situation closely,” and “working with relevant stakeholders.”
There will be condolences. There will be prayers. There will be press conferences. There will be committees. There will be multi-agency and multi-stakeholder teams. There will be task forces. There will be assessments.
There may even be an assessment of the assessment.
And eventually someone will announce that something is being done.
What more could a country ask for?
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