Police to take charge of flood search and rescue operations

In response to the escalating crisis caused by floods countrywide, police will now take charge of rescue operations.

In a statement, Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, Kithure Kindiki announced that the National Police Service (NPS) has been tasked with coordinating search and rescue efforts.

"The National Police Service is taking charge of search and rescue operations, utilising both land and air assets," Kindiki said.

Kindiki on Thursday also acknowledged the crucial role played by the Kenya Red Cross in supplementing these measures, ensuring comprehensive support to affected individuals and communities.

The CS also directed the Kenya Coast Guard Service (KCGS) to boost its response operations, as part of the government's efforts to mitigate the impact of the floods.

Kindiki revealed that following a directive by President William Ruto, the National Disaster Operations Centre (NDOC) at the Interior Ministry stepped up the coordination of multi-agency response interventions of relevant government ministries, departments and agencies, as well as humanitarian organisations to offer support to affected persons.

On Wednesday, Ruto announced that he had issued a directive to key ministries and agencies to respond promptly to flood impact issues.

Ruto said the respective ministries will immediately step up multi-agency response efforts.

Kitui Village residents in Kamukunji assess damages caused by flash floods on March 24, 2024. (Photo: The Eastleigh Voice)

"I directed the ministries of Interior and EAC, Arid and Semi-Arid Lands and Regional Development, and the National Youth Service to immediately respond to the situation caused by the floods," he added.

Going further, Kindiki announced that the County Security Teams across the country, have also been directed to work with County Government officials to ensure compulsory evacuation of those at risk.

Mobilised resources

To support households and people affected by the impact of floods, the CS assured that the government and its development partners have mobilised resources, including food and non-food supplies.

"All available financial and human resources as well as public equipment are being deployed to mitigate the adverse effects of the raging waters on life, livestock, crops, and property," he said.

As the Meteorological Department and various state agencies continue to provide regular public advisories on areas susceptible to flooding, Kindiki urged motorists and pedestrians to exercise caution and refrain from risky behaviour in flooded or excessively wet areas.

Majengo Assistant Chief Joshua Mburu rallies residents of Kitui Village in Kamukunji Sub-county to move from riverbanks, ahead of heavy rains and possible flooding, during his tour of the area on April 2, 2024.(Photo: Justine Ondieki)

In addition, the CS called on the public to cooperate with safety, health, risk, emergency, and communication teams.

He emphasised the importance of reporting distress to facilitate swift assistance to those in need.

The met department earlier this week warned of landslides and flooding in low-lying and urban areas with poor drainage.

In its seven-day weather forecast released on Monday, the weatherman also said that flooding is expected in low-lying areas, those in flood plains as well as in urban areas with poor drainage.

Rainfall is expected to continue over several parts of the country from April 23 to April 29, 2024.

As of April 22, 2024, Red Cross Kenya recorded 35 deaths and over 188 rescued since the March-May rains, with 27,716 acres submerged, 4,824 livestock lost, and 23 counties affected.

Over 24,000 households have also been impacted, with 11,206 displaced, affecting 24 schools and 27,716 acres of crops.