Michael Ololtua, the Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) for Magarini Sub County and Japhet Chengo, the assistant director special programs and disaster management at the Kilifi County government address journalists after meeting the Magarini Sub County Disaster Risk Management Committee drawn from ten flood prone locations in the area on Thursday, March, 12, 2026. Photo by Ben Okweingoti 
By Ben Okweingoti
The national government and the Kilifi County administration have activated emergency preparedness measures to mitigate the risk of flooding along River Sabaki following heavy rainfall in upcountry regions.
Disaster management agencies warn that rising water levels in the river could trigger flash floods in Magarini Sub County, an area historically prone to devastating flooding that has displaced thousands of residents and destroyed homes, livestock, and farmland.
Speaking after a Disaster Risk Management Committee meeting in Marafa town, Magarini Deputy County Commissioner Michael Ololtua said stakeholders had mobilized resources to prepare for potential emergencies despite the area currently experiencing drought conditions.
The committee, which brings together representatives from the Kilifi County government, the Kenya Red Cross and other key agencies, convened to assess both the ongoing drought and the looming flood threat along the Sabaki River.
Ololtua noted that the expected flooding would largely be caused by runoff from heavy rains in upstream regions rather than rainfall within the locality.
“The floods threatening the Sabaki River are not from rains within this area but from heavy rainfall in upcountry regions. Although Magarini is currently dry, we have observed rising water levels in the river and are taking precautionary measures to ensure that lives are not lost,” he said.
Authorities have also cautioned residents about the heightened risk of attacks from wildlife such as hippopotamuses and snakes when the river bursts its banks.
Residents living in low-lying areas have been advised to move to higher ground as a safety precaution.
Ololtua said the government had already identified sites for temporary camps to host internally displaced persons (IDPs) in case of flooding. Emergency supplies including shelter materials, medicine, food and non-food items have also been prepositioned, while rescue teams have been placed on standby.
Magarini Sub County, which comprises ten administrative locations, has previously experienced severe flood disasters that left villages marooned and caused widespread destruction.
In 2018, floods displaced more than 4,000 households in the area, prompting the government to deploy Kenya Defence Forces helicopters and divers to assist in rescue operations.
Areas frequently affected by flooding include Singwaya, Garashi, Masindeni, Mikuyuni, Bate, Mitsunguni, Burangi, Chakama, Shakahola and Baricho.
Kilifi County Assistant Director for Special Programs and Disaster Management Japhet Chengo said the county government was fully prepared to respond to any emergency.
Chengo noted that authorities were working closely with national agencies to ensure swift response measures and minimize disruption to livelihoods should flooding occur.
