President Ruto directs KDF choppers deployment for flood mitigation

 

President William Ruto has directed the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) to deploy helicopters for the transportation of critical supplies, including food and medicine, to the affected areas.

This order reflects the government's commitment to providing swift and effective assistance to those impacted by the ongoing flood crisis.

He was speaking at State House on Saturday as he chaired the disaster response emergency meeting at State House Nairobi.

This followed a meeting with the multi-agency team overseeing El Nino relief efforts countrywide.

President Ruto noted that the move stemmed from the fact that many Northern Kenya counties have been left isolated following the heavy downpours.

"I have instructed KDF to provide their air service facilities to airlift any commodities required in different parts of Kenya and especially last mile deliveries in counties marooned by floods. This will be rolled out immediately," President Ruto said.

“We are also going to mobilise the NYS and the engineering department at KDF and we have also agreed with the Ministry of Roads that all road contractors in the different parts of Kenya be mobilised to provide emergency intervention services to make sure that roads are opened.”

President Ruto regretted the country have lost 70 people across Kenya because of rains and about 36,160 households have been displaced so far.

"The meteorological department tell us that these rains will continue and therefore we need to prepare ourselves for the emergency situation that is going to ensue as a result and taking to account the situation in the country to do with our roads and the food situation," he said.

He said the cabinet will meet on Monday to deliberate on the recommendations that have been made to ensure the country is better prepared for the ongoing rains.

BY THE STAR