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State to provide affordable housing to flood victims

President William Ruto at Ngeya Girls Secondary School in Mai Mahiu, Nakuru County when he went to console with families affected by the flash floods on April 30, 2024. (Photo: PCS)

By Lucy Mumbi | 05 May 2024

The government says the programme will specifically target flood victims and allocations will be made on a first-come, first-served basis, ensuring immediate relief for those most in need.

In response to the recent widespread flooding that has displaced thousands across the country, the government has announced plans to offer affordable housing to those severely affected.

Addressing the media on Sunday, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura emphasised the urgency of the situation and encouraged victims to register promptly for the housing scheme.

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Mwaura highlighted that the programme will specifically target flood victims and allocations will be made on a first-come, first-served basis, ensuring immediate relief for those most in need.

"The government has arranged alternative accommodation for those affected and they will be considered for social housing on a priority basis," Mwaura said.

He noted that a multi-agency team is leading the evacuation of people residing in riparian areas in Nairobi County which has so far evacuated 163,210 residents.

Mwaura said the Nairobi Rivers Commission will resume river regeneration along the city's rivers and nobody will be allowed to settle on the riparian areas again.

"There have been no cases of drowning in all the areas in Nairobi since the evacuation began," he said.

Kiambiu youth construct a makeshift bridge after the floods swept away a footbridge. (Photo: Justine Ondieki)

Cholera case

Despite the successful control efforts by the government, Mwaura noted that one cholera case reported on April 26, 2024, in Tana River County has been confirmed with additional reports of suspected diarrhoeal cases in Marsabit County.

"The Ministry of Health is working with a multi-agency team to ensure control of cholera and other waterborne diseases through the implementation of different measures," he said.

He noted that the Government has provided cholera contingency supplies to assist in the management of patients.

They have also distributed Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) supplies to help purify water sources and treat household water in all high-risk areas and rescue camps.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua distributing food to families affected by floods. (X/Aden Duale)

To avert further risks of waterborne diseases, members of the public have been urged to properly wash hands with soap and running water, use safe treated water, avoid open defecation by using latrines/toilets and ensure proper waste disposal.

"If you notice any signs or symptoms of diarrhoea or vomiting, please seek immediate medical attention at the nearest health facility or contact the National Public Health Emergency Operation Centre through the toll-free number 719," Mwaura said.

So far, the ongoing flooding has resulted in the death of nine more lives in the past 24 hours, raising the total number of flood-related death toll to 228, across the country.

Additionally, 164 Kenyans have been injured while 72 persons are currently reported missing and approximately 212,630 persons, from 42,526 households have been displaced.

The total number of persons affected across the country stands at 223,198.