At least 103 Kenyans have died and 28, 484 displaced across the country due to the ongoing floods, the government spokesman Isaac Mwaura has said.
Mwaura added that the Rift Valley region reported the highest loss of 21 lives.
In a statement on Monday, Mwaura said that 29 people have been injured and 21 persons have been reported as missing.
Mwaura said that the subcounty Disaster Emergency Response Committees in the affected areas are implementing mitigation strategies.
The strategies include murraming roads and providing food and non-food items (NFIS) such as rice, beans, cooking oil, water treatment taps and mosquito nets to the affected households.
He said maize and horticultural crop seeds will also be distributed to the affected farmers.
This, he said, was in line with the directive by President William Ruto on April 23, 2024, to step up emergency response efforts.
“The government sends its most sincere condolences to the families of the bereaved and their loved ones and wishes a quick recovery to the injured as we continue to secure the lives and property of all Kenyans,” he said.
According to the government spokesman, approximately 185, 297 people have been affected by floods.
He said that affected Kenyans should reach the National Disaster Operations Center(NDOC) through the toll-free number 0800 721 571.
“In addition, a toll-free line number 1508 has been activated at the Nairobi County Emergency Operation Center. (NCEOC)”
This comes at a time when the country continues to experience heavy and persistent rainfall during the March-April-May (MAM) long rainy season.
The results of the weather patterns have included, the destruction of property and infrastructure, displacement of families and the loss of lives.
He said that the National Multi-Agency Emergency Response Committee on floods is undertaking various response initiatives to cushion the affected populations from the effects of the floods.
Mwaura said that Mombasa County has been receiving moderate rainfall and has not been adversely affected by the floods.
“We urge everyone to stay safe and exercise caution by avoiding flooded areas especially fast-moving waters,” he said.
“We will continue to call on every Kenyan to prioritise personal safety and to take the necessary precautions during these uncertain times. Constant reminders by respective government agencies on the lurking dangers of the floods shall continue to be issued, and we urge each and everyone to be observant of any forms of danger particularly, flash floods, mudslides and pre-announced threats of lightning.”
by PERPETUA ETYANG