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Government to begin mandatory evacuation in high risk areas on Saturday

Interior CS Kithure Kindiki before the National Assembly's Committee on Regional Integration on Thursday, March 21, 2024. Photo: MINA

By Maureen Kinyanjui | 02 May 2024

Kindiki noted that mandatory evacuation orders would be implemented between 6.30 am and 6 pm.

People living in high-risk areas have been given 24 hours to vacate voluntarily.

Failure to adhere to the directive, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki on Thursday said the residents will be subjected to mandatory evacuation.

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“Pursuant to the relevant provisions of the Preservation of Public Security Act (Cap 57 of the Laws of Kenya), it is hereby ordered that all members of the public residing within the high-risk fragile ecosystem areas vacate the said areas immediately and in any case within 24 hours effective today, May 2, 2024, at 1830 Hours,” reads a statement.

Kindiki noted that mandatory evacuation orders would be implemented between 6.30 am and 6 pm.

For safety purposes, the ministry pointed out that no Kenyan will be evacuated at night.

For a seamless exercise, CS Kindiki has directed the National Government Administration Officers to coordinate the evacuation. “The officers will ensure that the exercise is conducted in a humane manner, and in partnership with other stakeholders,” he said.

The fragile ecosystems as pointed out by CS Kindiki include areas prone to landslides or mudslides, areas near public or private dams or other water reservoirs in the event of spillover, and settlements within riparian land.

Red Cross workers wade through floods in North Eastern Kenya in September 2023. (Photo: Handout)

According to the Ministry, areas prone to land or mudslides include but are not limited to the counties of Nandi, West Pokot, Elgeyo Marakwet, Murang’a, Nyeri, Machakos and Makueni.

As a result, Kindiki has ordered the County Security and Intelligence Committees (CISCs) in each of the above counties to continuously monitor areas and to recommend specific areas where mandatory evacuation orders may be issued.

Going further, the Interior Ministry revealed that 178 dams and reservoirs are filled up or nearly filled up countrywide due to the ongoing heavy rains.

The water bodies are located on public or private land within 33 Counties which include Kwale, Kilifi, Garissa, Wajir, Kitui, Embu, Nairobi, Nyandarua, Marsabit, Kisii, Nakuru, Homa Bay, among others.

“Persons living near these dams to vacate or be voluntarily evacuated for their safety,” Kindiki stated.

In addition, security agencies will enforce the orders herein with the support of the National Youth Service (NYS).

The Interior boss emphasised that the government shall facilitate assembly points for those vacating or being evacuated and logistical support to reach temporary shelters.

Also, the National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs) have been directed to work with County Governments, Humanitarian Organisations and other stakeholders to ensure there is provision of temporary shelter, food and non-food essential supplies is carried out in a timely, humane and effective manner.