The Siaya County Government has intensified preparations for the ongoing enhanced rains, with forecasts indicating that the wet conditions are expected to continue through January.

The county convened a multi-agency preparedness meeting to strengthen coordination on early warning, emergency response and contingency measures aimed at reducing the anticipated social, economic and environmental impacts of the rains.

According to officials, onset of the rains has already been experienced in parts of the county, prompting authorities to step up preparedness across key sectors.

The county plans to strengthen early-warning systems and farmer advisories while promoting resilient crops, protecting fisheries infrastructure and enhancing soil and water conservation measures.

Agricultural officers are also expected to provide farmers with guidance on flood-prone areas, fodder preparedness, post-harvest handling and food storage.

Surveillance of crop and livestock diseases is expected to be intensified during the rainy period.

In the health sector, authorities will increase disease surveillance and community sensitisation, particularly on waterborne and vector-borne diseases such as cholera and malaria.

The meeting was co-chaired by Siaya County Commissioner Norbert Komora and the CECM for Governance and Administration, representing Governor James Orengo.

Also in attendance were Acting County Secretary Elizabeth Adongo, CECM for Agriculture Willis Ochieng, Acting CECM for Health and Sanitation Prof Jackline Oduol, CECM for Lands Augustine Neto, Chief of Staff Cyrus Oguna and other stakeholders.

The county government said the multi-agency approach is intended to ensure timely response to emergencies while helping communities minimise losses associated with flooding and other effects of the enhanced rains.