The Ministry for Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes has issued a nationwide warning, urging Kenyans to exercise extreme caution as heavy rains continue to batter much of the country.
Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku, in a statement on Friday night, highlighted the dangers posed by swollen rivers, flooded roads, and submerged streets, calling on citizens to prioritise their safety and that of others.
“Be careful on the roads for your safety and the safety of other road users, as well as to avoid crossing rivers which may have swollen more than usual and others that have broken their banks,” Ruku said.
The Ministry has also directed all subcounties to set up public information desks, emergency response centres, and rapid response stations in every division to ensure timely assistance to households affected by floods.
Deputy County Commissioners have been instructed to report immediately to the Ministry and Ruko’s office on the number of households requiring aid in their areas.
The Meteorological Department has flagged numerous counties for heavier-than-usual rainfall. Western and Rift Valley counties including Nandi, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Siaya, Busia, Baringo, Nakuru, Trans-Nzoia, Uasin-Gishu, Elgeyo-Marakwet, West Pokot, Kisii, Nyamira, Kericho, Bomet, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, and Narok are expected to experience intense showers.
Southeastern counties such as Machakos, Kitui, Makueni, Kajiado, and Taita-Taveta, as well as coastal counties Mombasa, Kilifi, Lamu, Kwale, and Tana River, will also be affected.
Northern and northwestern areas including Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, Isiolo, Turkana, and Samburu are predicted to receive heavy rainfall. Nairobi City County continues to face severe flooding, with roads impassable and many households left without safe shelter.
The Ministry, through the State Department for Special Programmes, will lead coordination of disaster preparedness, response, and recovery in collaboration with the State Department for Internal Security and National Administration, National Police Service, National Youth Service, National Disaster Management Unit, National Disaster Operation Centre, National Drought Management Authority, the Government Spokesperson, Nairobi County Government, Kenya Red Cross, and St. John's Ambulance.
