The government of Kenya on Sunday May 5, 2024 outlined some of the measures it has put in place to help floods victims in the country.
In a report released on May 5, 2024, Interior cabinet secretary Kithure Kindiki stated that the government has established 138 camps in 18 counties that are hosting 62,061 floods victims.
Kindiki further noted that approximately 227,238 people have been affected by the heavy rains, adding that 1,967 schools have been affected by the floods.
Additionally, 237 people have lost their lives, 164 people have been injured while 72 are missing as a result of heavy rains and floods.
A total of 42,526 households have been displaced affecting approximately 212,630 people.
The cabinet secretary noted that following measures have been put in place:
- All persons residing within the 30-Metre riparian corridor of rivers and other water courses across the Country have been ordered to vacate immediately for their safety.
- Mandatory evacuation along rivers in Nairobi County (Mathare, Ngong and Nairobi Rivers) is ongoing with the Government facilitating logistical support, temporary shelter and essential supplies to those affected.
- The Kenya Coast Guard Service responsible for marine operations on territorial and inland waters is on high alert and positioned in Kisumu, Tana River, Garissa, Kilifi and Nairobi Counties to offer required assistance.
- Areas prone to landslides and mudslides in various Counties have been identified as high-risk areas.
- Adjacent settlements are being evacuated with sites for temporary shelter for displaced persons coordinated by County security committees.
- Countrywide re-opening of schools previously scheduled for May 6th, 2024 has been postponed until further notice.
- Beach activities, fishing, swimming and non essential transport along the Coast region shoreline in Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi and Lamu are suspended effective May 4th until Monday, May 6th, 2024.
- The Government is carrying out assessments of damaged roads and mobilizing resources to address critical sections and restore safe travel.
- A Nationwide assessment of all dams has been conducted and 192 dams identified to be high risk in Central (60), Eastern (39), Rift Valley (29), Coast (22), Western (21), Nairobi (12), North Eastern (5), and Nyanza (4).
- A 24-Hour evacuation notice effective May 2, 2024 was issued to settlements in 33 counties that are within 178 of these high-risk dams and water reservoirs. The Government is facilitating logistical support, temporary shelter and essential supplies to those affected.
