Kenya is strengthening its emergency medical capacity ahead of El Niño rains expected from October to December 2026, with the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) preparing a trained medical team to support communities during emergencies.

Flooding can disrupt access to healthcare, contaminate water supplies and increase the risk of diseases such as cholera. Earlier floods this year affected 27 counties, highlighting the need for stronger preparedness.

Click here to join our WhatsApp channel here

From 8 to 11 September 2026, KDF health officials and WHO experts worked together to strengthen the emergency medical team’s leadership, operating procedures, logistics and water, sanitation and hygiene capabilities.

The team also conducted a tabletop emergency exercise based on a scenario involving severe flooding and a cholera outbreak in displacement camps. The exercise helped identify gaps in coordination, resource mobilisation and emergency response procedures.

“Preparedness is about testing systems before they are needed. Exercises like this help us work through scenarios and address gaps before an emergency occurs. WHO will continue working with KDF and its partners ahead of the El Niño season and beyond,” said Dr Martins Livinus, Team Lead for Emergency Preparedness and Response, WHO Kenya.

The KDF is also working toward establishing a WHO-accredited Type 1 fixed Emergency Medical Team, which could provide large-scale medical care from a fixed location during emergencies.

Also read:Pediatric Wellness and Vaccination Care Now Available Through Home Visits

WHO and Kenyan authorities will continue working with KDF and other partners to strengthen preparedness and ensure a coordinated response during the upcoming rainy season.