Kenya braces for severe El Niño floods as forecasters warn of record rains

Forecasters in Kenya are warning of one of the strongest El Niño events on record, with predictions of heavy rain and flooding that could affect millions across East Africa. The climate phenomenon, which typically brings above-average precipitation to the region, is expected to intensify over the coming weeks and months.

Local residents and agricultural communities have expressed deep concern about the potential impact. "It can kill us," one Kenyan farmer told the BBC, pointing to the threat posed by flooding to livelihoods, infrastructure, and food security across the region.

The warnings come as East Africa has already experienced significant climate pressures in recent years, with drought and erratic weather patterns affecting pastoral and farming communities. A severe El Niño event could compound existing vulnerabilities in water access, crop production, and pastoral systems.