The Water Resources Authority is designated under Section 6 of the Water Act, 2016 as the National Government agent responsible for regulating the management and use of water resources in the country.

The Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) released weather forecast on 30^th August, 2023 covering the period October to December (OND) 2023 rainy season. The forecast indicated that most parts of the country will experience enhanced (above average) rains that will be fairly distributed in some areas and heavily distributed in other areas both in time and space. The expected heavy rainfall may lead to:

1. River water levels rising significantly and may overtop the banks and cause flooding in adjacent low-lying areas such as: Lower Nyando, Lower Nzoia, Lower Sondu, Lower Gucha Migori and the shoreline streams of Lake Victoria basin; Lower Perkerra, Enkare Narok River at Rumuruti, Lower Tana River at Garissa, Hola and Garsen. Other areas to be on the lookout include: the Laggas within Mid Tana basin (Kitui and Makueni Counties) and Ewaso Ng’iro North basin (Wajir and Mandera Counties);
2. Flash floods, caused by the excessive runoff maybe experienced in some areas, especially urban areas such as: Nairobi City, Narok, Isiolo, Wajir and Mandera towns;
3. Filling of dams with a high likelihood of them spilling over and causing flooding downstream. The major dams in the country include: Bathi, Chemeron, Chemususu, Chinga, Ellegirini, Kakuzi, Gitaru, Kamburu, Kiambere, Kindaruma, Masinga, Kiboko, Kikoneni, Kimau, Kirandich, Kiserian, Maruba, Mkurumudzi (BTL), Mkurumudzi (KISCOL), Moiben, Mulima, Muoni, Radat, Ruiru, Sasumua, Sondu Miriu, Thiba, Thika/Ndakaini, Tindress, Turkwel dams.

WRA wishes to advice as follows with the regard to the El Niño rains:

1. Members of the public are advised to strictly comply with the following cautionary measures for their own safety:
2. Adhere to flood advisories during this period;
3. Communities downstream of dams to remain vigilant and adhere to alerts from the authorities and dam owners/operators;
4. Identify and use safe routes to evacuate to higher safe ground in the event of floods
5. Approach river crossings, whether on foot or in a motor vehicle, with utmost caution;
6. Be aware of open channels/manholes during flooding
7. Dam Owners/Operators are required to comply with the following:
8. Ensure they have Dam Operation Plan that outlines the procedures to notify and protect downstream inhabitants, infrastructure and environments from dam release (planned or accidental);
9. Ensure the spillways are properly maintained and free of any obstruction, to attain their full design spill capacity;
10. Undertake regular dam safety inspection/assessment of the dams when full;

For more information, contact:

Chief Executive Officer,

Water Resources Authority,

NHIF Building, Wing B, 9^th Floor

P. O. Box 45250 – 00100, Ngong Road

Nairobi- Kenya

Tel: 0202732291/2729048/9

Emergency Hotline: 0700 056472, Email: [email protected], [email protected], Website: www.wra.go.ke

Accounting For Every Drop!