As millions of Kenyans continue to endure heavy rainfall and its consequences including flash flooding, burst river and lake banks and mudslides that led to massive loss of life, destruction of property and public utilities including major roads, the government continues to scramble in attempts to mitigate the ongoing aftermath of these calamities.
Both the national and county governments across the country have been carrying out tasks to rescue victims of flooding and this has been complemented by efforts from the Red Cross.
So far, reports have it that more than 120 people have died due to the ongoing flooding and tens of thousands more displaced due to the flooding and mudslides.
In doing his part as a citizen, former president Uhuru Kenyatta also offered his support to flood victims and condolences to the bereaved.
In an April 30, 2024, statement from the Office of the 4th President of Kenya, President (retired) Kenyatta offered his sympathy and condolences to those severely affected in areas including Nakuru, Nairobi, Homa-Bay, Garissa, Kisumu, Mombasa, parts of Central Kenya, Eastern Kenya and Rift Valley counties.
“The relentless rainfall has caused significant damage, displacing families, destroying infrastructure, and claiming precious lives. During this time of profound loss and despair, my thoughts and prayers are with the affected communities as they cope with the aftermath of this natural disaster,” said President Kenyatta.
In addition to his sympathies and condolences, President Kenyatta donated Sh 2 million to the Kenya Red Cross Society to “bolster relief efforts and provide essential aid to the affected families, offering them some comfort and solace during these difficult times.”
He also cautioned Kenyans to remain vigilant and careful in light of the dangers posed by the ongoing rains and flooding, telling them to avoid crossing flooded roads and pathways as well as seek higher grounds for their own safety.
He also called on medical professionals to volunteer their expertise in assisting the sick and injured.
“Together, let us navigate through these difficult times, emerging stronger, more resilient, and more united than ever before,” said President Kenyatta.
For weeks after the commencement of the heavy rainfall in early April 2024, the Kenya Kwanza government did not respond to the plight of flooded victims amid calls on the government to act. This saw Kenyans come together to help themselves including forming human chain links in floods to help the vulnerable escape from their flooded homes and others renting out their boats to fetch those stranded on rooftops of their flooded homes.
Countless videos also surfaced online as people showed how their homes were flooded and families had no place to sleep. In one video, a mother and her child could be seen asleep atop their roof and covered in a thin blanket.
Finally, President William Ruto broke his silence last week and directed the Interior Ministry to intervene. The Cabinet Secretary for the Interior and National Administration, Mr Kithure Kindiki then announced he deployed the Kenya Coast Guard Services to several parts of the country severely affected by heavy rains and flooding.
“The National Disaster Operations Centre (NDOC) at the Interior Ministry has this morning stepped up the coordination of multi-agency response interventions of relevant government ministries, departments and agencies, as well as humanitarian organizations to offer support to affected persons. The public is urged to cooperate with safety, health, risk, emergency and communication teams dispatched to monitor, report and oversee help to those who may be in distress,” said CS Kindiki on April 25, 2024.
The response teams, in addition to the Kenya Coast Guard Services whose mandate is to “strengthen and enhance enforcement of laws and regulations applicable in Kenya´s territorial and inland waters”, are the National Police Service who will coordinate search and rescue operations by land and air and the Kenya Red Cross who will supplement their measures.
Additionally, the Meteorological Department and Road Agencies were tapped to provide regular advisories on areas likely to be affected by torrential rain. The County Security Teams across Kenya were also directed to work with County Government officials to ensure compulsory evacuation of those at risk.
