The National Government has so far distributed 2,279 metric tonnes of rice, 803 metric tonnes of beans, 7.5 metric tonnes of corned beef, and 4 metric tonnes of fortified flour to Kenyans affected by floods across the country.

The National El Niño Emergency & Disaster Response Command Centre says that the aforementioned food items have been distributed across Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, Lamu, Tana River, Taita Taveta, Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Marsabit, Isiolo, Kitui, Meru, Makueni, Tharaka Nithi, Embu, Samburu, Turkana, Busia, Migori, Kisumu, Homa Bay and Muranga counties.

The agency says that it has so far distributed 257.5 metric tonnes of assorted medicines to the counties to mitigate against cholera and other public health diseases resulting from abnormal conditions.

Displaced persons

With water levels of rivers and flood waters receding, 94,108 displaced households (470,160 people) have returned home, leading to the closure of 51 camps.

“Mombasa, Wajir, Kitui, Meru, Marsabit, Elgeyo Marakwet, Turkana, Narok, Nyandarua, Busia, and Nairobi, where camps were previously set up currently have no displaced households or camps,” the agency says.

However, the provision of iron sheets, mattresses, blankets, dignity kits, and tents continues in Tana River, one of the most affected counties, with 10,037 households displaced. Cholera treatment centers have also been established to cater to the 53 camps that have been set up in the county.

Affected roads

The agency adds that all roads that had been affected by floods are now motorable, particularly those in the North Eastern and Coast regions.

However, drivers across the country are advised to exercise caution and pay attention to safety advisories incase of heavy rains and unconducive driving conditions.

Over the Christmas period, the weather forecast predicts rainfall in the South Eastern and Coast regions of the country, while the North Eastern and North Western regions experience dry conditions with occasional light showers.