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Interior PS reiterates government's plan to support Kenyans affected by floods

Interior Permanent Secretary Raymond Omollo visits Mathare. (Photo: X)

By Mary Wambui | 04 May 2024

138 camps have been set up to accommodate people living in flood-prone areas including 33 in various parts of Nairobi.

Interior Permanent Secretary Raymond Omollo has reiterated the government's plans to relocate individuals affected by the ongoing rains through cash transfers, affordable housing, and social housing.

He said this during a sensitisation forum at Kiamaiko Ngundu area where there are ongoing demolitions of structures built on riparian land.

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The PS who was accompanied by Regional Commissioner Nairobi Katee Mwanza, Regional Commander Adamson Bungei, Mathare Sub-county Commissioner, and members of National Government Administration Officials (NGAO), held a session with locals where he sensitised them on the importance of moving away from riparian areas.

He also thanked the public for their cooperation and emphasised the need for the government to prevent further loss of life due to flooding in riparian areas.

Since Thursday, over 100 people have voluntarily moved from the Dandora, Mukuru kwa Reuben, and Soweto areas in Nairobi County.

Today, during a working weekend, we visited the residents of Mathare Area to evaluate ongoing efforts to address the aftermath of the recent floods. pic.twitter.com/0DRj0ysjDd
— Dr. Raymond Omollo — CBS (@ray_omollo) May 4, 2024

The PS assured the residents of government support, and in return, they agreed not to return beyond the marked beacons.

The support will be implemented through the NGAO who will work closely with elders, youth, women, and Nyumba Kumi to implement the government intervention plans.

Riparian areas are prone to flooding during heavy rain, posing a risk to life and property.

At the same time, heavy rains can erode riverbanks, leading to structural instability and potential collapse of buildings or structures.

138 camps have been set up to accommodate people living in flood-prone areas including 33 in various parts of Nairobi.

The camps, according to the ministry, are situated mostly in learning institutions including primary schools, churches, and colleges.

More shelters will be established on a need basis under the supervision of County Security Committees which are involved in monitoring his risk areas for action to prevent loss of life.

The government has been availing essential food supplies of rice and beans which have been distributed to support affected communities in Busia, Homa Bay, Kisumu, Machakos, Nairobi, Nakuru, and Murang'a Counties.

More food, medical kits, and non-food items are also needed in affected counties and where search and rescue operations are still ongoing including, Garissa, Kiambu, Migori, Narok, Kajiado, West Pokot, Nyeri, Siaya, Nyandarua, Kirinyaga, and Tana River counties.