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Evacuations from hotels, camps likely if rivers overflow, says CS Mutua

Tourism Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua. (Photo: File)

By Lucy Mumbi | Wednesday, May 1, 2024

Owners of hotels and camps along rivers have been asked to develop clear evacuation, transportation and hospitality protocols.

Hotels and camps situated along rivers within national parks and game reserves should prepare for evacuations in case of overflows due to the torrential rains.

Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua made this announcement on Wednesday as heavy rains wreaked havoc across the country.

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“Attention all hotels and camps adjacent to rivers within national parks and reserves: Prepare for potential evacuations should rivers overflow. Develop clear evacuation, transportation, and hospitality protocols,” Mutua said.

He noted that several camps have been impacted, prompting coordinated rescue efforts, which have been effective so far.

The alarm comes after several hotels, camps and lodges in Maasai Mara National Reserve were flooded when the River Telek burst its banks, leaving tourists stranded.

An advisory issued on Tuesday by the Kenya Tourism Federation said that as of April 25, rainfall at the Masaai Mara was relatively heavy but that the impact was not as extensive as it has been in the past.

“The Suswa section on the Mai Mahiu-Narok road is passable with no adverse reports in Masaai Mara areas,” the statement said. “Amboseli: heavy rainfall, but not much destruction witnessed in the area. Roads leading to the park are motorable.”

There were no reported floods at the Isiolo and Samburu reserves but the Shaba area remained under observation in the event that the River Ewaso Nyiro overflowed.

In the coastal areas, heavy rainfall has been experienced over the past few days, mostly affecting residential areas.

“Most of the hotels have put in place safety and precautionary measures. Drivers and guides are advised to exercise extra caution when ferrying visitors," the statement said.

Drivers and residents were advised against moving through water and open fields and sheltering under trees and near grilled windows to minimise exposure to lightning strikes.

The advisory followed the deaths of at least 179 people since the March-May long-rain season began.

To report emergencies, Mutua gave the National Emergency Disaster helpline, which is 0800721571.