Kenya has stepped up its response to health risks linked to ongoing floods after receiving emergency medical supplies worth Sh10 million from the World Health Organization, aimed at supporting affected communities and preventing disease outbreaks.
The consignment was handed over on Wednesday at Afya House in Nairobi, where officials from the Ministry of Health received the supplies to boost preparedness and response efforts as heavy rains continue to affect several counties.
The donation was received on behalf of the Cabinet Secretary for Health Aden Duale by Secretary Administration Adan Halakhe from WHO Kenya Acting Representative Neema Rusibamayila Kimambo.
In his remarks, the Cabinet Secretary welcomed the support, noting that it comes at a critical time when flooding has increased pressure on the health system. He said the assistance would “strengthen Kenya’s capacity to respond to public health risks associated with flooding.”
The Ministry said the emergency kits include essential medicines, medical supplies and life-saving equipment meant to support frontline health workers. These tools are expected to help in delivering urgent care, managing disease outbreaks and ensuring that essential health services continue in the most affected areas.
Health officials indicated that the ongoing long rains have already caused disruption in several counties, with flooding leading to displacement of families and interruption of key services. These conditions, they warned, raise the risk of disease outbreaks, especially waterborne and vector-borne infections.
The government has activated emergency response measures in collaboration with county authorities and partners to address the situation. These include strengthening disease surveillance, deploying rapid response teams and ensuring that essential medicines remain available where needed.
Public awareness campaigns are also being rolled out to guide communities on how to stay safe during the rainy season. Residents have been advised to maintain proper hygiene, use safe drinking water, sleep under treated mosquito nets and seek medical attention early when symptoms appear.
Health officials stressed that these measures are important in reducing the spread of diseases during floods, when living conditions can quickly deteriorate.
Speaking at the event, WHO Kenya Acting Representative Dr Kimambo expressed concern for families affected by the floods and reaffirmed the organization’s support to Kenya. She noted that the situation has disrupted access to clean water, sanitation and healthcare services, increasing the risk of illnesses such as cholera and malaria.
The emergency supplies include cholera case management kits, rapid diagnostic and investigation kits, water treatment materials and trauma kits. According to officials, the support is expected to benefit about 5,000 people in the hardest hit areas.
The handover ceremony was attended by Director of Public Health Dr Stephen Muleshe, WHO officials and senior Ministry of Health staff, reflecting a joint effort in tackling the health challenges brought about by the floods.
Authorities said the intervention highlights the importance of partnerships in responding to emergencies, especially as climate-related events like heavy rains continue to strain health systems.
With the rainy season ongoing, health officials have called for continued vigilance and coordinated action to protect communities and prevent the spread of disease, noting that the additional support will play a key role in strengthening response efforts across the country.
