Marsabit County residents have been strongly advised to begin early preparations for expected El Niño rains, which are projected to hit the region between September and December 2026.
Speaking during a Marsabit County Steering Group (CSG) meeting, the Director of the Meteorology Department for Marsabit and Isiolo Counties, Mr. John Nguyo, revealed that weather forecasts point to October and December as the peak months for the heaviest downpours.
During this crucial window, both the volume and frequency of rainfall are anticipated to rise sharply across the county.
Mr. Nguyo issued a stern warning that the intensified rainfall could trigger widespread flash floods, cause major rivers to overflow, and severely damage local infrastructure. This elevated flood risk is expected to persist for three to four months. In light of these threats, the meteorology director urged residents to immediately avoid settling near known flood-prone areas and seasonal riverbeds—locally referred to as lagas that have historically burst their banks during heavy downpours.
Beyond immediate safety concerns, the department highlighted the broader risks El Niño poses to public health and logistics, noting that the rains could destroy vital road networks and spark waterborne disease outbreaks.
To mitigate these disasters, Mr. Nguyo identified the specific zones most likely to be hardest hit and called upon both the Marsabit County and national governments to reinforce critical infrastructure.
He further emphasized the urgent need for governments to invest in robust emergency response services and launch aggressive public awareness campaigns to protect lives and property.
Paradoxically, before the heavy rains arrive, Marsabit County is bracing for a prolonged and severe dry spell during the upcoming June to September 2026 (JJAS) season. According to the Meteorological Department, most parts of Marsabit are set to record higher-than-average temperatures paired with below-normal rainfall.
Mr. Nguyo warned that these harsh, dry conditions will severely affect water availability for both human consumption and livestock, while simultaneously disrupting rain-fed agricultural activities.
While highland areas around Mount Marsabit and regions bordering Ethiopia may receive sporadic rainfall, the vast majority of the lowland areas are expected to remain entirely dry for an extended period.
