GOVERNMENTS' STATEMENT ON THE FLOOD SITUATION BY HON. SEN. (DR.) ISAAC MAIGUA MWAURA, CBS GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN

 HON. SEN. (DR.) ISAAC MAIGUA MWAURA, CBS GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN

1. Over the past weeks, significant rains have been experienced in various parts of the country, leading to severe flooding that has displaced thousands of households, resulting in property loss and disruption of services.

 2. As rainfall continues, the Central Highlands, including Nairobi, Western Kenya, parts of Northwestern, the Lake Victoria Basin, and Rift Valley regions, are expected to experience more rainfall. Additionally, isolated heavy rainfall events may occur in Machakos and Kajiado, while the rest of the country is expected to remain generally dry. 

3. In the coming days, isolated heavy rainfall is forecasted for 31 counties. These counties include Nyandarua, Nyeri, Muranga, and Kiambu in the Central region; Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia, Vihiga, and Trans Nzoia in Western Kenya; Baringo, Samburu, Laikipia, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Kericho, Nandi, Bomet, Nakuru, Kajiado, and Narok in the Rift Valley; Kisumu, Homabay, Siaya, Kisii, Migori, and Nyamira in the Lake Victoria Basin; and Meru, Tharaka Nithi, Embu, and Machakos in the Eastern region, as well as Nairobi.

 IMPACT OF THE FLOODS AND GOVERNMENT INTERVENTIONS

 4. The ongoing floods have displaced 55,631 households, affecting approximately 278,155 individuals. Another 82,552 households, comprising about 412,763 persons, have been directly impacted. 5. Tragically, we are still losing lives due to floods and landslides. In the past 24 hours, we have reported two fatalities, raising the flood-related death toll to 291. Additionally, 75 people are missing, and 188 have been injured. 6.The government extends its deepest condolences to the affected families and friends and is committed to doing everything possible to alleviate the human suffering caused by the floods. 

7.To support displaced families, the government has established 187 camps across 25 counties, hosting over 3,000 people. Additionally, 65,493 people have been integrated into the community following the Nairobi River evacuation exercise. 8.Furthermore, 64 health facilities have been damaged in 12 counties, and approximately 168,092 acres of land have been destroyed. There have been 53 reported cases of cholera, and the Ministry of Health, along with the Kenya Red Cross, is conducting medical outreach programs in Nyeri, Tana River, and Marsabit counties. In addition, 54 cases of dysentery have been reported at the Nyeri GK Prisons. 

9.The Kimende area in Kiambu County has been declared a danger zone and cordoned off following a landslide. A multi-agency team, including the Kenya Defense Forces, National Government Administrative Officers, National Police Service, and the Red Cross, is conducting a risk assessment of surrounding areas. Search and rescue missions are also ongoing in Mathare North, Nairobi County, after a building collapse, with disaster management institutions engaged to ensure no one is trapped or injured.

 10. Search and rescue operations continue along Kijabe-Matathia road in Kiambu County following a massive landslide. Two people have been rescued, while three more are missing. Some roads in the area have been closed and classified as unsafe. 

11. We are grateful for the continued support from fellow Kenyans and international partners who are assisting in distributing essential food, non-food items, and medical kits to the affected groups, including the elderly, children, and persons with disabilities. 

12. In particular, an initiative by the Principal Secretaries has garnered over KES 1.5M in aid for those affected by the recent floods in Nairobi County. This aligns with H.E. the President’s call to foster mutual care during times of crisis. Donations include 50 bags of rice, 20 bags of beans, 20 bags of green grams, 10 bags of cowpeas, 50 dozen body oils, 165 bales of maize flour, 100 cartons of bar soap, 50 cartons of sanitary towels, 40 cartons of cooking oil, and 40 bales of sugar, along with 50 bales of tissue papers. 

13. Additionally, the State Department of Social Protection and Senior Citizens Affairs, through the Child Welfare Society of Kenya, has provided food and other essential supplies to 700 households and over 1,000 children from Mukuru, Hazina, and Landi Mawe areas in Nairobi County. 14. We also express our gratitude to the Palestine Embassy in Kenya for donating essential supplies to women displaced by floods in the Mathare area of Nairobi County. 15. We advise all Kenyans to stay safe and adhere to the weather forecasts and evacuation notices provided by the government and other agencies. Affected individuals and families can reach out for assistance through the emergency toll-free line 0800721571. 

By Ounah Khalayi