The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) says the upcoming El Niño rains, forecast for September to December, could cause widespread flooding, displacement and loss of livelihoods for millions of Kenyans.

KHRC Executive Director Davis Malombe stressed that the response must go beyond humanitarian aid, urging the government to protect rights to life, health, water, education, information and shelter during the disaster.

The commission announced the creation of a Human Rights Monitoring and Emergency Response Centre, which will collect reports of violations and provide support as rains intensify.

Drawing on the 2024 floods that killed at least 170 people and displaced over 200,000, KHRC says authorities must have evacuation plans ready before rising waters cut off communities.

The commission calls for clear evacuation routes, safe alternative locations and early communication, insisting that residents be involved in decisions about where and how they will be moved.

KHRC warns that disaster responses can exacerbate police excesses, restrictions on civic space, discrimination in aid distribution and violations of health and water rights, echoing concerns from the 2024 floods.

Children’s education could be disrupted if schools are flooded or repurposed as shelters, while damage to roads, bridges and health facilities may hinder access to essential services.

The commission also flags the risk of corruption undermining emergency funds and supplies, urging transparent management to ensure aid reaches those in need.

KHRC stresses that the constitution obliges national and county governments to safeguard human rights even in emergencies, and it urges them to equip emergency services and pre‑identify vulnerable communities.

Finally, the commission calls for safe evacuation centres that provide food, water, healthcare, sanitation and protection, and for affected people to be active participants in planning rather than passive aid recipients.