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President Ruto issues more emergency response measures as floods death toll hits 210

President William Ruto at a past event.

By Barack Oduor | 03 May 2024

"No corner of our country has been spared from this havoc," Ruto said.

President William Ruto, on Friday, announced measures his government has taken to avert further loss of lives and properties following relentless rains that have resulted in deaths and destruction.

The president, while addressing the nation at State House in Nairobi, said that the death toll from the floods and heavy rains had risen to 210, with more injuries reported and havoc wreaked on property, infrastructure, and livelihoods.

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"No corner of our country has been spared from this havoc. Transportation has become challenging in many parts of the country due to flooded and damaged roads and bridges and the threat of raging rivers and overflowing dams in downstream regions," Ruto stated.

The Head of State further expressed concerns that reports from the Meteorological Department paint a dire picture of the continuity of rainfall across the country.

"Kenya will also face its first cyclone. This cyclone will hit any time, and it's predicted to cause torrential rain, strong winds, and dangerous waves that may affect marine activities and settlements along the Kenyan Coast. Our country must act swiftly and decisively to mitigate the devastating impacts of the present crisis and protect life and property," he added and outlined the measures undertaken by the government.

To mobilise resources in response to the crisis, the president ordered the Treasury to provide adequate resources and work with other development partners to purchase and supply food, medical supplies, and other non-food items.

"County security committees are directed to determine on a case-by-case basis the radius that shall constitute the scope of the area subject to vacation or mandatory evacuation orders," Ruto explained.

The county security committees were also directed to continuously monitor other dams or water reservoirs across the country that may not pose a risk to residents but could do so in the future.

Kenya Red Cross members in a rescuse mission at Konoramadha in Saka, Tana River, on May 1, 2024. (Photo: Kenya Red Cross)

His administration had also marked dams that are full and present imminent danger and areas prone to landslides and mudslides were identified as high-risk areas.

To that effect, relocation notices were issued to people living in unplanned settlements within riparian lands.

In addition, President Ruto instructed the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and the National Police Service (NPS) to deploy resources, personnel, and equipment for carrying out coordinated public safety and risk mitigation operations.

The National Youth Service was also directed to work with the National Government Administration Officers to respond to the emergency by ensuring the timely, orderly, and humane evacuation of all persons at risk.

Other orders

The cabinet was directed to spearhead disaster response and mitigation efforts across the country.

"To this end, ministries, departments, and agencies are directed to work closely with the National Disaster Operations Centre and security agencies to ensure the whole-government approach to the management of the prevailing crisis," the president noted.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, through the National Cereals and Produce Board, will make food supplies available in government stores and the Ministry of Health will work with development partners, including the World Health Organisation (WHO), African Medical and Research Foundation (AMREF), Red Cross, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), World Food Programme (WFP) and other relevant humanitarian organisations, to mobilise resources and logistical support to avail essential drugs and other medical supplies.