Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said on Monday, August 10, 2026, that the government has put 18 counties on high alert for the severe impacts of El Niño. Murkomen said the National Disaster Operations Centre carried out a comprehensive risk assessment, which indicated an 81% chance of a strong El Niño event. “The identified counties have been prioritized in the response planning based on their vulnerability to various risks,” Murkomen said. He added that the National Emergency Multi-Agency Team and county emergency response teams have been activated and placed on high alert. The preparations follow international weather warnings that El Niño is set to strengthen.