Human rights defenders and advocates for persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Garissa have raised grave concerns over what they describe as inadequate preparations for the expected El Niño rains, warning that poor planning could put thousands of residents at risk of displacement, loss of property and even death.
The groups are calling on both the national and county governments, as well as humanitarian organizations such as the Kenya Red Cross, to immediately strengthen disaster preparedness measures and protect vulnerable communities before heavy rains begin.
Aden Bille, chairman of the Garissa PWD group, said persons with disabilities often bear the greatest burden during floods due to mobility challenges and limited access to emergency services.
Drawing parallels with the devastating 1997-1998 El Niño rains, Bille said residents in flood-prone areas such as Bula Punda, a neighborhood frequently affected by rising waters, are living in fear, with many still carrying the trauma of previous losses.
He urged authorities to urgently clear and improve the town’s inadequate drainage systems, warning that poor drainage could worsen the impact of flooding. He also highlighted the risk of the River Tana overflowing and destroying homes, livestock, farmland, schools and health facilities.
Echoing these concerns, Muktar Dahir of the Garissa County Human Rights Defenders Network criticized what he described as the government’s reactive approach, stressing that disaster preparedness should begin before an emergency occurs rather than waiting for disaster to strike.
Dahir called for urgent risk assessments in vulnerable settlements, clear evacuation plans and fully equipped relief centers stocked with food, water, sanitation facilities and medical supplies.
He emphasized that women, children, older persons and people with disabilities require specialized protection and support to minimize the risk of loss of life, property and livelihoods during potential flooding.
