El Niño updates: Number of displaced households reduces to 15,208 across 79 camps

The Kenya Meteorological Department has released an extended forecast indicating predominantly sunny and dry conditions across most of the Country until at least the end of January 2024.

However, specific regions including the Lake Victoria basin, Southern Rift Valley, South-Eastern lowlands, Highlands East of the Rift Valley, and South Coast region are expected to experience sporadic rainfall.

In light of these developments, the National El Niño Flood Emergency and Disaster Response Command Center wishes to update on the ongoing relief and recovery efforts:

The State Department of Special Programmes has successfully distributed over 4,604.6 Metric Tonnes of food items in rice, beans, fortified flour and corned beef to affected Counties.

Complementing this, the Ministry of Health has dispatched 257 Metric Tonnes of assorted supplies and products to affected areas. Additionally, Cholera Treatment Units have been set up in strategic health facilities.

A section of floods victims from Karung'a area in Mwingi central, Kitui County who were left homeless after their houses were swept away by River Katiliku. Photo: TV47 — A section of floods victims from Karung’a area in Mwingi central, Kitui County who were left homeless after their houses were swept away by River Katiliku. Photo: TV47

Focused efforts are being made to restore damaged infrastructure. This includes the repair of 7,878 affected schools, paving the way for their reopening.

The number of displaced households has been reduced to 15,208 across 79 camps, a significant decrease from the initial 170 camps hosting 109,179 displaced households.

The Hunger Safety Net Programme and organisations such as, the World Food Programme, Plan International, World Vision, and Arid Lands Development Focus Kenya have been instrumental in implementing cash transfer programs, benefiting 9,858 affected households.

Road repair efforts are ongoing, with notable progress on the Gamba – Witu road in Tana River County and Kona Punda – Mororo in Garissa County.

A file photo of an area in Kenya marooned by floods as heavy rains continue to ponder different parts of the country.

The wake of the El Niño floods tragically led to the loss of 174 lives, including 133 adults and 41 children.

The agricultural sector has also been severely impacted, with livestock losses totalling 6,706 animals, primarily goats and sheep, and crop devastation affecting around 84,568 acres that has resulted to a combined estimated damage cost of Ksh.16.26 billion.

This has had a substantial impact on several Counties, including Lamu, Tana River, Garissa, Mandera, Wajir, Homabay, and Kitui, posing a serious threat to food security.

The coordinated efforts of various agencies in disaster preparedness and response have been crucial in effectively managing the impacts of the El Niño rains.

The establishment of a robust ground and aerial distribution network, facilitated by the Kenya Defence Forces, National Police Service, Kenya Red Cross Society, and World Food Programme, has been a vital step in ensuring that aid reaches even the most remote and inaccessible areas.

Furthermore, the heightened state of readiness of emergency response teams, including the Kenya Navy and Kenya Coast Guard Service for search, rescue, and evacuation operations, underscores the collective dedication to safeguarding communities against the challenges posed by the rains.

“We remain committed to providing necessary assistance and support to all affected regions and urge the public to stay informed and prepared for the changing weather conditions,” the agency says.