By Quinter Atieno
To safeguard lives, infrastructure, and livelihoods, the County Government of Siaya through its Directorate of Disaster Management recently convened a comprehensive multi-sectoral strategy meeting.
The forum focused on refining the county’s Multi-Hazard Contingency Plan (MHCP) following the Kenya Meteorological Department's forecast predicting above average October to December rainfall.
Moderated by Mr. Caleb Odhiambo, Manager of the Siaya Emergency Operations Centre, the engagement sensitized departmental leaders and validated geographically mapped risk zones across the region.
Discussions focused on executing seamless early warning protocols, taking prompt early action, and establishing robust mechanisms for rapid response, recovery, and long-term climate resilience.
Sector-specific presentations highlighted actionable, localized intervention strategies:
Agriculture & Food Security: The Director for Agriculture highlighted flood risks surrounding the Yala and Nzoia river basins, urging farmers to secure safe storage for seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, machinery, livestock feed, and harvested produce to prevent post-harvest loss.
Infrastructure & Education Vulnerabilities: Representatives from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) alongside Mr. Omollo Denis, Deputy Director for Early Childhood Development (ECD), identified parts of Rarieda and Uyoma as high-risk zones prone to sinking pit latrines and collapsing school classrooms.
Inclusive Mitigation & Public Engagement: The Ward Manager for Ugunja advocated for widespread tree planting initiatives, targeted public sensitization campaigns via local radio stations, and tailored safety solutions specifically designed to protect marginalized groups, including Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
To ensure adequate operational capacity, participants underscored the critical need for dedicated departmental emergency budgets, targeted flood mitigation works, and proactive community engagement.
The strategy session concluded with a comprehensive stakeholder mapping exercise, identifying key institutional partners—including KeRRA, KELCOP, NGAO, AMREF,NAFCDP among others to establish a unified, multi-agency response framework.
Under the leadership of Governor James Orengo, the County Government of Siaya remains steadfast in its commitment to proactive governance, climate adaptation, and disaster readiness. By uniting local departments and strategic development partners , Siaya County is taking decisive steps to protect its communities and secure local infrastructure throughout the upcoming rainy season.