The government has activated coordinated emergency health response measures as heavy rains and floods affect several parts of Kenya, disrupting communities and straining healthcare services. Officials have warned that rising water levels could trigger disease outbreaks, making swift action and preparedness crucial.
Public Health PS Mary Muthoni said the Long Rains Flood Contingency Plan 2026 has been launched to boost readiness, enhance disease surveillance, and support counties facing flood-related health challenges.
The announcement came during a meeting on Thursday at Afya Annex, which brought together representatives from national and county governments, humanitarian agencies, development partners, and health sector stakeholders.
The discussions focused on the evolving flood situation and ways to maintain essential health services while protecting affected communities.
According to authorities, floods in several areas have already damaged health infrastructure, displaced residents, and interrupted the delivery of medical services.
Rising waters have increased the risk of water-borne and communicable diseases, particularly in regions where access to safe water and sanitation is limited.
PS Muthoni highlighted the government’s commitment to reducing the impact of floods on communities.
“The government has activated coordinated emergency health response measures to reduce the impact of flooding on communities and safeguard the continuity of healthcare services,” she said. She added that urgent coordination among government agencies and partners is essential to ensure health systems remain operational throughout the rainy season.
The Long Rains Flood Contingency Plan 2026 outlines key actions to strengthen Kenya’s preparedness and emergency response.
The plan prioritises improved health sector coordination, robust disease surveillance, outbreak detection and control, emergency support, laboratory services, and resource mobilisation.
Health officials said the framework will allow for faster responses to emerging health threats and provide support to counties facing increased pressure on healthcare facilities.
Disease surveillance is central to the strategy. Enhanced monitoring systems will help detect early signs of outbreaks, enabling timely interventions in flood-prone areas where communities may be displaced or exposed to contaminated water.
Emergency response teams will collaborate closely with county health departments to support local facilities and ensure essential medical supplies reach affected communities.
The consultative meeting provided an opportunity for stakeholders to review current preparedness measures and identify gaps requiring additional support.
Discussions emphasised strengthening coordination between national and county governments, improving logistics, and enhancing communication channels during emergencies.
Authorities stressed the critical role of counties in frontline disaster response. Effective collaboration with national institutions is necessary to ensure resources and technical support are delivered quickly to affected areas.
Humanitarian and development partners, including the Kenya Red Cross Society, World Health Organization, and United Nations Development Programme, have supported the development and implementation of the flood preparedness plan, providing technical expertise, assisting with emergency operations, and supporting community-level health interventions.
Kenya experiences seasonal flooding during the long rains, which can disrupt infrastructure, displace communities, and increase the risk of disease outbreaks.
Health authorities said preparedness planning is key to minimising these risks and protecting vulnerable populations. By activating coordinated response mechanisms and strengthening partnerships across sectors, the government aims to ensure health systems remain resilient as the rainy season continues.
Officials noted that ongoing collaboration between government agencies, counties, and development partners will be vital in protecting lives and maintaining essential healthcare services during this period of heavy rains.