County officials, climate experts, development partners and communities assess rainfall opportunities and flood risks as Wajir strengthens preparedness for the October–December season.
ELDAS, WAJIR – Wajir County is strengthening preparedness for the October–December (OND) 2026 rainfall season, with stakeholders meeting in Eldas to assess the implications of a forecast of above-normal rainfall and agree on early actions to minimize potential risks.
The County Government is hosting a four-day Participatory Scenario Planning (PSP) exercise, bringing together the Kenya Meteorological Department, National Drought Management Authority (NDMA), county departments, national government agencies, the World Food Programme (WFP), development partners, community representatives, holders of Indigenous Technical Knowledge and the media.
The forum is providing a platform for stakeholders to interpret the OND 2026 climate outlook, develop possible rainfall scenarios and translate the information into practical measures that can be implemented ahead of potential impacts.
Above-Normal Rainfall Could Bring Significant Benefits
County Chief Officer for Special Programmes, Disaster Management and Public Participation Abdi Abdille has emphasised the importance of preparing early and ensuring that climate forecasts lead to practical action at community level.
The expected above-normal rainfall could provide important benefits for Wajir, including improved pasture conditions, recharge of water sources, increased agricultural production and the recovery of degraded ecosystems.
For a county where pastoralism remains an important livelihood, improved rainfall could support the regeneration of grazing areas and improve access to water for communities and livestock.
However, officials are also warning that excessive or intense rainfall could create new risks, particularly in areas vulnerable to flooding and poor drainage.
Flooding and Other Climate Risks Under Review
Stakeholders are assessing potential impacts associated with different rainfall scenarios, including flooding, displacement of communities, damage to infrastructure and contamination of water sources.
Heavy rainfall could also increase the risk of waterborne and other climate-sensitive diseases, placing additional pressure on health and water, sanitation and hygiene services.
The PSP process is therefore allowing stakeholders to examine both likely and adverse scenarios and determine what interventions should be activated under different conditions.
Turning Forecasts Into Early Action
A key objective of the exercise is to ensure that the seasonal forecast does not remain simply a piece of climate information, but becomes a basis for timely decisions and preparedness actions.
Stakeholders are identifying interventions that can be implemented before potential impacts occur, with each proposed action expected to have a clearly defined responsible institution, trigger for implementation, timeframe and required resources.
This approach is intended to strengthen accountability and ensure that institutions are prepared to act when agreed thresholds or conditions are reached.
Abdille has also called for scientific forecasts to be complemented by Indigenous and local knowledge, noting that community observations and experience can contribute to more effective and locally relevant decision-making.
Strengthening Early Warning Systems
The county is also placing emphasis on ensuring that climate advisories and early-warning information reach communities in a timely and accessible manner.
Stakeholders are being encouraged to make greater use of local radio stations, community structures, SMS platforms and other communication channels to disseminate warnings and preparedness messages.
Timely information can give households, livestock keepers and institutions an opportunity to take preventive measures, protect assets and reduce potential losses before hazards occur.
Coordination Key to OND Preparedness
The county government has urged all stakeholders to maintain close coordination throughout the OND season and remain flexible as new climate information becomes available.
Officials noted that rainfall patterns can evolve during the season, making continuous monitoring and adjustment of preparedness measures essential.
The PSP forum is expected to result in a coordinated set of anticipatory and preparedness actions that will guide stakeholders before and during the OND 2026 season.
Abdille stressed that the success of the process should not be measured by the workshop report alone, but by whether the actions agreed upon are implemented in time to protect communities and public assets.
The ultimate objective is to ensure that Wajir is better positioned to capture the benefits of above-normal rainfall while reducing the risks posed by flooding and other climate-related hazards.
