Mandera County has begun a flood‑preparedness drive that includes clearing waterways, desilting culverts and reinforcing vulnerable riverbanks to cut flash‑flood risk.

Municipal Manager Motker Mohamed Noor said early interventions target high‑risk zones, with infrastructure upgrades and targeted desilting forming the core of the effort.

Gabion walls have been installed along the Busle streams to curb bank erosion that previously threatened nearby properties.

A 650‑metre trapezoidal channel was constructed in Bulla Barwaqo to divert floodwaters arriving from across the Somalia border.

Crews are also cleaning culverts in the central business district and preparing repairs to open drains in key neighbourhoods before the rains arrive.

Roads serving markets, hospitals, schools and mosques have been earmarked for upgrades to a gravel standard to keep access open during the rainy season.

Why Mandera is prone to flash flooding

Although the county lies in an arid and semi‑arid zone, heavy downpours can cause severe flash flooding because drainage capacity is limited.

Previous disasters highlighted the danger to settlements along natural drainage corridors, prompting a shift toward proactive, early‑intervention measures.

Guidelines for households and businesses

Authorities urge residents not to block waterways with makeshift barriers such as murram, which can divert floodwater onto neighbouring properties.

Anyone planning to build dykes, terraces or other flood‑protection structures should first obtain technical guidance from the municipality to avoid interfering with natural drainage.

The public is also advised to avoid low‑lying flood‑prone areas during heavy rain, refrain from crossing fast‑moving water, and inspect roofs while safeguarding children, older persons and persons with disabilities.