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UAE sends relief food for Kenya’s flood victims

A file phot of relief food donated by the United Arab Emirates (UAE). (Photo: Gulf Today)

By John Mbati | 02 May 2024

"The Government of Kenya conveys its sincere appreciation and calls upon other friends of Kenya to stand with us during this flooding emergency."

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has dispatched two aircraft loaded with 80 tonnes of essential relief supplies to Kenya to assist victims of the flash floods witnessed in the country.

Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura, in a statement released on Thursday, said that the aid was sent to support Kenya’s government's efforts in cushioning residents affected by floods and heavy rains.

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“The Government of the Republic of Kenya conveys its sincere appreciation and calls upon other friends of Kenya to stand with us during this flooding emergency,” Mwaura stated, reiterating President William Ruto’s plea to foreign countries.

Ruto told BBC Africa on Monday that he used the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA) held in Nairobi this week to “mobilise the necessary resources for us to be able to respond effectively to the aftermath of the floods.”

“We will need development resources to repair the roads, rebuild homes for those who have been affected, resettle, and deal with food security issues,” he added.

However, he declined to declare the current floods a natural disaster, stating that he would consider such action if the situation worsens and warrants him to act, but based on detailed assessments.

Nonetheless, he deployed a multi-agency team to lead search and rescue efforts in critical areas such as Mai Mahiu, where a mudslide claimed 50 lives (32 adults and 18 children), according to Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura on Thursday.

In Mai Mahiu, Ruto also ordered the Public Service Cabinet Secretary, Moses Kuria, to set up a Huduma Centre and replace IDs and other government documents for the victims, including 73 people who were injured and are recuperating in different health facilities.

The President also ordered residents living in flood-risky areas to vacate in 48 hours, starting Tuesday, April 30, 2024.

Thursday floods update

Isaac Mwaura said that the distribution of relief items is ongoing across the country and that the government was replenishing its relief granaries to have sufficient supplies to support those affected by these floods.

9 more people — four adults and five children died in the last 24 hours, raising the national flood-related death toll to 188 (151 adults and 37 children).

125 people were injured and another 90 were still missing.

The flooding also led to the displacement of an additional 1,759 households in the last 24 hours, raising the number of displaced households to 33,100, comprising approximately 165,500 persons.

Ruto Mai Mahiu (2)