The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have stepped up joint preparations for possible floods, landslides and other emergencies expected during the October to December 2026 rainy season.
The two institutions recently conducted a joint Emergency Medical Team (EMT) preparedness exercise aimed at strengthening Kenya’s capacity to mount a rapid and coordinated response when disasters occur.
The practical exercise brought together planning undertaken over the previous week, technical expertise and simulated emergencies to assess the country’s readiness to provide medical assistance during large-scale disasters.
Participants tested the speed at which emergency medical teams could be activated, mobilised and deployed following the declaration of an emergency.
The exercise also assessed the availability of critical medical supplies, equipment and other resources required to sustain operations during a major crisis.
Health officials and emergency planners further worked through a range of potential public health emergencies and simulations, developing practical response mechanisms to ensure teams can transition from standby to active deployment with minimal delays.
A key objective of the exercise was to strengthen coordination between military and civilian agencies that would be expected to work together during an actual disaster.
KDF is also working with the government to enhance rescue operations in areas that could be cut off by road during the rainy season. The military is expected to deploy helicopters to support operations in flood-prone lowland areas, including the lower Tana region and Budalangi, where flooding can disrupt road access and isolate communities.
KDF is further collaborating with the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRC) and county governments to improve evacuation and emergency support for communities living in high-risk areas. The collaboration also includes joint search-and-rescue training to improve the ability of response teams to locate and assist people affected by floods and other disasters.
The Kenya Red Cross has separately indicated that it will work with the National Youth Service (NYS) to strengthen early warning systems, evacuation efforts and emergency response during the anticipated rains.
At the community level, KDF has also been involved in preparedness initiatives targeting areas already experiencing the effects of changing weather patterns.
In Baringo County, for example, the military is working with the Climate Change Department and other stakeholders to develop both immediate and long-term measures to address rising lake levels that have displaced thousands of households.
The initiative forms part of a 90-day preparedness campaign being implemented ahead of the expected October–December rains.
The preparations come amid increased efforts to strengthen Kenya’s emergency response capabilities, including through the acquisition of maritime security and rescue equipment from international partners.
The United Kingdom has donated Zodiac Pro 850 patrol boats, while Japan has supplied vessels for the Blue Economy department. The United States has delivered armed Defender speedboats, with the European Union providing rescue boats and Denmark contributing a specialised dive vessel.
Beyond equipment and technical support, Kenya is also receiving financial assistance to strengthen its preparedness for climate-related emergencies and public health threats.
The World Bank recently approved Ksh51.8 billion (USD 400 million) in emergency financing through its Rapid Response Option, with the funding expected to support El Niño preparedness efforts and help address health risks associated with disasters in the region.
