Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kithure Kindiki is now urging Kenyans to exercise caution on the roads as heavy rains are expected to hit most parts of the country this weekend.

In an update dated May 4, CS Kindiki noted that heavy rainfall and thunderstorms would be experienced in 33 counties.

These counties include; Central region (Nyeri, Murang’a, Kiambu, Nyandarua, Kirinyaga), Rift Valley (Nandi, Bomet, Nakuru, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Baringo, Samburu, Turkana, Uasin Gishu, Laikipia, Narok), Western (Kakamega, Vihiga, Busia, Bungoma and Trans Nzoia), Lake Victoria Basin (Kisumu, Kisii, Nyamira, Migori, Siaya, Homabay), Eastern (Machakos, Embu, Tharaka Nithi, Meru, Marsabit) and Nairobi.

In the last 24 hours, a number of the above listed counties were highly affected by floods, mudslides and landslides, with affected families evacuated to temporary shelters.

CS Kindiki stated that KDF officers were still engaged in a search operation in Mai Mahiu following the Monday tragedy which has so far claimed 53 people. The Ministry disclosed 41 of the bodies had been positively identified and families informed.

Overall, 219 Kenyans lost their lives from incidences arising due to heavy rains across the 47 counties. 164 people are currently nursing injuries while a total of 72 persons are still missing.

The Interior Ministry noted that about 206,240 Kenyans have been displaced by floods and 115 camps set up across the constituencies to host them. Government has donated over one million kilograms of rice and beans across various counties even as humanitarian organisations chip in.

CS Kindiki urged Kenyans to stay informed about certain roads and highways which have been temporarily closed due to flooding, particularly in Nyanza, Nairobi, Coast and Central Region.

He warned Kenyans against unnecessary travel during this season as the country is expected to experience its first ever cyclone named Hidaya along the coastal line.