Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr Speaking at a rally in Kikima, Mbooni on September 14, 2026. Photo Gov Press. 
By Andrew Mbuva.
Makueni Governor has warned residents to brace for potentially devastating rains, saying the county is rolling out emergency preparedness measures following forecasts of rainfall levels significantly above the region’s historical averages.
Governor Mutula said the warning was issued during a County Steering Group meeting bringing together the national government, county government, meteorological officials, environmental experts and other stakeholders to review the latest weather projections.
According to the forecast, areas such as Mbooni, Kilungu, Kilome and Kaiti, which typically receive about 350 millimetres of rainfall during the season, could record up to 700 millimetres. In Kibwezi, where rainfall averages between 180 and 200 millimetres, the projections indicate totals of up to 350 millimetres.
“We have received a report indicating that the rains will be heavy. In areas such as Mbooni, Kilungu, Kilome and Kaiti, where rainfall is usually around 350 millimetres, it could rise to as much as 700 millimetres,” said Mutula.
He added: “In Kibwezi, where we normally receive between 180 and 200 millimetres, the rainfall could reach up to 350 millimetres. Therefore, we are expecting floods and we have started preparing.”
The governor said the county had established disaster preparedness committees at both sub-county and ward levels to coordinate response efforts and sensitise residents on how to stay safe during the rainy season.
He revealed that 10 committees had been formed across the sub-counties, each chaired by the respective Deputy County Commissioner, while ward-level committees had also been established to oversee preparedness and response activities.
“We have started preparing in the areas identified as high-risk. We are also educating residents on what they should do, and training people who can assist those who may be affected by flooding,” he said.
Mutula issued a stern warning to residents living in areas prone to landslides, particularly in Kaiti, Ilima, Kilungu and Mbooni, urging them to take the forecasts seriously.
“I want to issue a very strong warning: these rains are not rains to play with. When they come, they will cause us problems,” he cautioned.
He said the county was identifying designated evacuation centres where families displaced by floods would be accommodated, adding that preparations were underway to stock food, medicine, tents and blankets.
The county government has also begun mobilising clothing donations through the Kenya Red Cross to support residents who may be forced to flee their homes.
“We are preparing designated sites where those affected by the floods can go. We are buying food, medicine, tents and blankets, and we have started a programme to collect clothes through the Red Cross so that people who are displaced can have somewhere to sleep and receive assistance,” said the governor.
Mutula said drainage and river-flow improvement works had also been identified in flood-prone areas, including Mutiswa, Makindu and Mikululo, where the county plans to clear sand, expand waterways and improve drainage channels to allow floodwater to pass safely.
He noted that the county was working with stakeholders to inspect major dams and water reservoirs to ensure they were safe and capable of handling increased water volumes.
The governor warned that the county had already lost nearly 20 people during the previous January-February rains, which he said were less intense than those forecast for the coming season.
“During the previous season, in January and February, we lost approximately 20 people, yet those rains were not as heavy. The rains we are expecting are projected to be almost twice as much as what we experienced then,” he said.
He urged residents to cooperate with authorities and follow safety advisories, saying the disaster could be mitigated if communities took the warnings seriously.
“This disaster can be avoided by the people of Makueni if they listen to us. Those who play with these waters will face the consequences because these rains will not bring any room for complacency,” Mutula said.
The governor further announced plans to work with the Kenya Forest Service and the county environment department to promote tree planting and encourage residents to plant crops and vegetation suited to the expected rainfall patterns in different parts of the county.
He said residents would receive area-specific guidance on whether to plant grass, maize, beans or other crops that would help conserve soil, reduce erosion and withstand the anticipated rains.
Mutula said the county government would continue coordinating with national government agencies and other stakeholders to ensure Makueni was adequately prepared for the predicted El Niño rains.
