EAC bloc develops joint strategies in preparedness for El Niño threats

NAIROBI: EAST African Community (EAC) partner states are meeting in Nairobi, Kenya, to discuss and develop joint strategies to address the potential impact of heavy El Niño rains expected across the region.

On the second day of the meeting, which began on November 4, 2026, senior disaster management officials from EAC partner states discussed a joint plan to respond to potential disasters arising from the rains, with the aim of strengthening preparedness and regional coordination.

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During the discussions, the officials are assessing each country’s capacity to respond to disasters, identifying existing gaps and developing joint strategies to protect lives, essential services and economic activities, particularly trade across the East African region.

The meeting is expected to conclude on November 6, 2026, with an Extraordinary Joint Meeting of the EAC Sectoral Councils of Ministers responsible for Cooperation in Defence, Peace and Security, and Foreign Policy Coordination. The meeting will focus on strengthening regional preparedness to respond to the potential disasters.