The National Assembly has been petitioned to compel the National Government to declare floods a national disaster and further initiate urgent mitigation measures to cushion Kenyans from the raging fury of extreme weather condition.
In a petition sent to the clerk of the National Assembly, Antony Manyara and John Wangai submitted that for the past few days floods had ravaged different parts of the country with reports indicating more than 20,000 families have been left homeless with efforts to have the matter addressed by the relevant body proving futile.
“The issues raised herein are substantive and efforts toVhave the matter addressed by the relevant body have proved futile,” read part of the petition.
Further, the petitioners called on the August house to compel the national government to expeditiously declare floods a national disaster, which will result in invoking the necessary legal mechanisms for effective management and coordination.
The petioners urged the 13th parliament to enact legislation and allocate sufficient resources for the implementation of comprehensive flood risk reduction and management strategies.
“We call upon the Honourable National Assembly to compel the relevant government agencies to collaborate with stakeholders, including affected communities, civil society, and the private sector, in developing and implementing sustainable solutions to mitigate the impacts of floods.”
Wednesday morning, President William Ruto took to his social media announcing to have engaged leaders in counties and regions affected by the ongoing heavy rains. The President indicated to have directed the ministries of Interior and EAC, Arid and Semi-Arid Lands and Regional Development, and the National Youth Service to immediately respond to the situation caused by the floods.
Recent reports by the Kenya Red Cross indicate that flooding in the country has killed 38 people and displaced more than 11,000. The non-governmental organisation stated it has rescued 180 people from the waters across the country.
