Kenyans living in flood-prone areas have been urged to heed the government’s directives. This comes after flood caused havoc in West Pokot and Elgeyo Marakwet Counties. Speaking to the press while accompanied by other Cabinet Secretaries, Interior CS Fred Matiang’i said this rain season will pose challenges, “We can tell clearly that from this rain we are going to have challenges in some parts of the country.”
He said those living in volatile areas prone to floods and landslides will be moved to higher and safer grounds. He added that the state is providing aid to those affected in the Chesegon flood, “The government will do all it takes to provide support for the affected families.”
On his part, Devolution CS Eugene Wamalwa said the government has sent support in terms of food and non food items to those affected. He said Counties should prepare for such disasters because the challenge of climate change means they’ll still happen regularly, “They must set aside enough resources in their emergency funds and be able to realign their budgets to address these disasters,” he noted, “Counties are our first line of defence and they must take the frontline position.”
Energy CS Charles Keter revealed that dams in Kenya are full due to the ongoing rains, adding that there is already spillage in Masinga. “There is an overflow of over 300 cubic metres per second in all the dams,” he said, with Kenyans in high risk areas urged to move.