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Kenya floods death toll rises to 300

Kenya Red Cross officials rescue marooned commuters in Sultan Hamud, Makueni County on April 26, 2024. (Photo:: Red Cross)

By Farhiya Hussein | 29 Apr 2024

The police, the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and the Kenya Red Cross are also conducting search and rescue operations.

Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchmba Murkomen says that the death toll from the flash floods across the country has risen to 300.

Murkomen spoke in Nakuru County after visiting Mai Mahiu, where 71 people were reported dead after a flooded dam broke its banks.

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"Even as the government works to mitigate these effects and help affected families deal with this unfortunate crisis, I urge Kenyans to heed the government’s directive and vacate flood-prone areas, avoid crossing flooded rivers, and avoid night travel except when essential."

"We have lost... Currently, we are counting maybe 300 people who have died. They did not have to die. It is through recklessness and drivers forcing themselves through water that we have the problem we have," Murkomen stated.

At Maai Mahiu, he consoled the families affected by floods and also directed the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) to begin repairing damaged roads and bridges immediately.

Earlier on, government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura said that 103 Kenyans had lost their lives following ongoing flash floods in the country.

“The official number of those who have lost their lives currently stands at 103. Our last briefing on Saturday was at 76, while yesterday (Sunday) was at 90. This is a little bit higher, with the Rift Valley region recording the highest loss of lives at 21,” Mwaura stated while speaking in Mombasa on Monday.

He added that 29 people were injured and 21 were reported missing.

“Displaced households recorded 28,484, with an equivalent of 185,297 people affected. We regret to say that Kenyans have lost their lives. In Homabay, even as we speak Mai Mahiu, quite a number have lost lives,” added Mwaura.

Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen, Governors Sussan Kihika (centre) and Kimani Wamatangi (Kiambu) visit Maai Mahiu residents to commiserate with the families affected by floods on Monday, April 29, 2024.

He warned that the number was increasing alarmingly, as previously, 24,609 households were displaced, translating to 131,450 people.

“It is a great increase because about 50,000 individuals have been affected since Saturday. This is a serious concern as the floods are actually rivalling El Nino rains, where over 500,000 people were affected,” Mwaura highlighted the extent of the disaster.

The government projected all 47 counties to be affected, double the number that was initially expected.

Mwaura warned that flash floods and water moving downstream will impact most counties, even though nearly 23 counties are experiencing heavy rainfall.

In Kilifi, the government recorded damage to infrastructure while families were displaced too.

Mwaura said that as of Monday, 1,800 families were affected and 650 households were displaced due to the flooding of the River Sabaki.

“Four boreholes, 10 shallow water wells, approximately 500 metres of pipe, two generators, two semi-permanent houses, and approximately 7,000 acres of farmland had been damaged by the floods,” announced Mwaura.

Further reports from the Magarini sub-county indicated that the River Sabaki has affected 600 farmers, with about one acre of farmland destroyed.

“The government is constantly and keenly monitoring the flooding situation across the country to alleviate human suffering that is occurring as a result of natural happenings and, in other cases, due to human errors. It is disturbing that we are losing lives due to avoidable deeds such as staying in flood-prone areas as well as failure to be cautious of fast-moving waters.

“As a government, we will continue to call on every Kenyan to prioritise personal safety. We urge everyone to be observant of flash floods, mass slides, and the pre-announcement of lightning,” he pleaded.

National multi-agency committee on floods

Mwaura stated that the committee President William Ruto established is carrying out a legitimate response initiative to warn the public about the effects of the floods. The Kenya Meteorological Department (Kenya Met) has continued to alert the public about persistent heavy rains likely to affect various regions, including the Lake Victoria Basin, the southeast low and high lands, and the Rift Valley regions.

The police, the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and the Kenya Red Cross are also conducting search and rescue operations.

Kenyans were urged to exercise caution and avoid areas with fast-moving waters. Those affected can reach the national disaster response operation centre through the number 0800721571. A toll-free line - 1,508 - was also established for Nairobi residents, as the city is among the most affected counties.