As experts from the eight East African Community (EAC) member states meet in Nairobi from 4 to 6 November 2026 to discuss preparedness for potentially severe El Niño rains, they face a challenge greater than producing another regional declaration: ensuring that governments act before disaster strikes.
The meeting comes amid warnings of unusually heavy rainfall that could cause flooding, landslides, disease outbreaks and disruptions to transport, agriculture and trade.
The EAC deserves recognition for taking the threat seriously. Over the years, the Community has developed disaster-risk management frameworks, strengthened regional cooperation and invested in climate adaptation initiatives. In March 2026, it advanced work on a ten-year Climate Change Strategy intended to improve resilience, early warning systems and access to climate financing.
Individual countries have also made progress. Uganda recently launched a national roadmap for anticipatory action, while Tanzania has announced an El Niño emergency and early-action plan for 2026–2027.
These are encouraging milestones. But they raise nine questions that deserve serious answers.
First, what lessons have East African governments actually learned from previous floods, droughts and other disasters? Have those experiences produced stronger institutions and safer infrastructure, or merely additional reports?
Second, does the EAC possess an effective regional emergency-response mechanism? When several countries face disaster simultaneously, can they share rescue personnel, equipment and essential supplies without bureaucratic delays?
Third, who takes responsibility when disaster crosses national borders? Are national governments and regional institutions sufficiently coordinated to act together?
Fourth, where is the money? Are adequate emergency resources available, or must governments wait for international assistance before responding?
Fifth, do early warnings produce early action? Weather forecasts are increasingly sophisticated, but do they reach vulnerable communities in time, and are authorities prepared to act?
Sixth, how will the EAC protect regional trade? Flooded roads, damaged bridges and interrupted supply chains can threaten food security and economic stability across several countries.
Seventh, who protects the most vulnerable? Farmers, pastoralists, fishing communities, displaced families, children and people with disabilities cannot remain an afterthought in disaster planning.
Eighth, what should international partners, particularly the European Union, contribute? Their financial and technical support matters, but should strengthen lasting African capacity rather than perpetuate dependence.
Finally, how will citizens measure the success of this Nairobi meeting? Will it produce clear commitments, responsible institutions, budgets, deadlines and publicly accessible progress reports?
These questions are not intended to diminish the EAC’s achievements. They are intended to make those achievements meaningful.
East Africa cannot prevent every natural disaster. But it can prevent many avoidable deaths, losses and disruptions.
The ultimate measure of regional cooperation is not how well governments prepare their declarations, but how effectively they protect their people.
