WHO and Kenya boost health preparedness for upcoming El Niño floods
The World Health Organization is working with Kenya's government to strengthen health defenses ahead of the 2026/2027 El Niño rainy season.
In Nairobi, WHO Representative Neema Rusibamayila Kimambo announced a partnership with Kenya to address health risks linked to the 2026/2027 El Niño season. Ongoing risk assessments will guide authorities in spotting potential hazards and bolstering emergency readiness for flooding and climate-related disease outbreaks. The focus areas include disease monitoring, early warning systems, laboratory and response capabilities, safe water, sanitation, hygiene, risk communication and maintaining essential health services.
The agency warned that severe floods can contaminate drinking water and disrupt access to health facilities, raising the danger of waterborne illnesses such as cholera and typhoid. Kenya's Ministry of Health has triggered its Health Sector El Niño Contingency Plan, aligning national and county governments, emergency agencies, humanitarian groups and development partners. The WHO noted that strong El Niño conditions, together with a positive Indian Ocean Dipole, historically bring heavy rains to East Africa, echoing past catastrophic floods in the region.
How this story developed
- Aug 31 UN warns that a record-breaking El Niño could trigger worldwide extreme weather
- Sep 3 Temperatures will rise to around 27 °C in parts of southern England on Sunday, while rain and wind are expected to return early next week.
- Sep 3 UN says the El Niño is expected to remain in place until February 2027.
- Sep 5 Czech forecasts include a possible rapid temperature rise to around 30 °C early next week.
- Sep 7 Britain announced cuts of more than 80 % to bilateral aid in eight African states.
- Sep 7 UK models show a higher likelihood of stormier, wetter conditions during autumn and winter.
- Sep 9 A brief spell of 27‑28 °C heat is expected in southeast England on Sunday.
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