Devolution CS Eugene Wamalwa has said 285 people have died so far in Kenya following heavy rainfall which has been experienced in Kenya through the past few months. This is an increase from 256, the last time the government made an address concerning the same. 810,655 people have been affected by the rains, floods, landslides and mudslides in different parts of the country.
Speaking to the press on Wednesday, CS Wamalwa said the acreage loss in terms of crops and agricultural produce will be revealed by agriculture officials next week. He thanked the experts and the Meteorological Department for issuing reliable information and data, adding that Kenyans have to take the warnings of floods and heavy rains seriously next time, “We have seen in areas that were affected by landslides, in West Pokot and Elgeyo Marakwet, both last year and this year, the experts warned us just weeks to these tragedies.”
He said going forward the response to information and how it is utilized will need to improve. He also lauded The Meteorological Department for devolving services to Counties, and assured those affected by the heavy rains of the government’s continued support. However, he noted that going forward the rains will subside in parts of the country, saying that the water levels at dams have become stable, “CS(Keter)says dams are still full but have now stabilized.”