Nairobi allocates Sh140million for emergency fund amid flood crisis

Nairobi County has allocated Sh140 million for the emergency fund in its supplementary budget passed by the county assembly

The money will be allocated to the disaster and emergency fund managed by the Office of the Governor, Johnson Sakaja, and his deputy, James Njoroge. 

In the current Financial Year 2023-2024 budget, the emergency fund was allocated Sh350 million to ensure it is always replenished and managed in line with the Public Finance Management Act, 2012.

In addition, the disaster management and coordination sector was allocated Sh628 million.

For the past two weeks, relentless heavy rains have battered Nairobi and surrounding regions, wreaking havoc and leaving scenes of devastation and turmoil.

The heavy downpours have triggered widespread flooding, displacing numerous residents in various estates and causing major disruptions to transportation networks.

Countless homes and businesses have been submerged under water, resulting in substantial financial losses for affected individuals and enterprises. 

Heart-wrenching videos and images circulated on social media platforms depict the extent of the damage inflicted on critical infrastructure.

Among the hardest-hit areas are Mathare, Mukuru kwa Njenga, Fuata Nyayo, Land Mawe, Mukuru Kayaba, Njiru, Ruai, Utawala, and Mukuru Kwa Ruben, where residents are grappling with the aftermath of the heavy rains.

Still, on the supplementary budget, Sh1.9 billion was directed towards settling debts owed to entities such as the Kenya Medical Supplies Agency (KEMSA) and the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC), along with recurrent pending bills.

"We are committed to fulfilling our financial obligations and ensuring the smooth operation of essential services," reads a Supplementary report of the County Assembly Finance and Budget Committee.

KEMSA is set to receive Sh300 million to alleviate pending bills, while KPLC will be allocated Sh330 million.

"To reduce pending bills, an additional Sh300 million has been set aside to pay KEMSA pending bills, Sh330 million for KPLC pending bills and an additional Sh1 billion for recurrent related pending bills. The county will also pay an additional Sh 330 million for those who trade with the county," reads the report.

The county bursaries were also given an additional Sh120 million for the remaining part of the financial year.

Further, garbage collectors and those offering cleaning services have been allocated Sh600 million, while road materials have been given a budget of Sh300 million.

The budget committee approved a budget of Sh116 million to cater for the battle of choirs and their pending bills and Sh10 million for the branding of Dandora Stadium, Uhuru Complex, Mama Margret Hospital, and other county facilities.

City Hall is also expected to pay Sh18 million as rent for their offices located at CBK pension towers for May to August, as Sh10 million will be paid for domestic and foreign travel allowances, respectively.

The county has allocated Sh51 million to purchase uniforms for the Green Army unions, while an additional allocation of Sh60 million has been set aside for the acquisition of personal protective equipment (PPE) for the fire personnel.

"To support the county's expanded fleet, the allocation for lubricants, repairs, and maintenance will be increased by Sh200 million," the report added.