Ruto Warns Kenyans On Compulsory Evacuation Over Floods In Estates

President William Ruto announced on Thursday, April 25 that Kenyans living in dangerous areas already marooned by floods or likely to run the risk of the same be evacuated as soon as possible.

Speaking while officially opening Bunge Tower in Nairobi, the Head of State revealed that the evacuations would be carried out even if Kenyans put up a resistance.

He added that he also gave the National Youth Service (NYS) permission to provide land to those who have been evacuated from their homes.

"This morning I have authorised NYS to provide land for those who are living in dangerous areas so that they can be moved to safer ground as we decide on what to do with them.

"Unfortunately, we will have to move some of them if they do not agree because they put themselves in danger," he stated.

The President asserted that the measures were aimed at safeguarding lives. He added that the directive came after he engaged leaders in the national and county governments scrambling to deal with the adverse effects of the floods.

Meanwhile, Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kithure Kindiki has announced that the National Disaster Operations Centre (NDOC) at the Interior Ministry has stepped up the coordination of multi-agency response interventions of relevant government ministries, departments and agencies, as well as humanitarian organizations to offer support to affected persons.

He added that the National Police Service (NPS) is coordinating search and rescue operations by land and air, and the Kenya Red Cross is supplementing the measures, with the Kenya Coast Guard Service (KCGS) also directed to step up its response operations.

"The Meteorological Department and Road Agencies are providing regular public advisories on areas likely to be affected by torrential rain. Motorists and pedestrians are urged to cease and desist from risky behaviour in flooded or overly wet areas.

"The County Security Teams across the Country are directed to work with County Government officials to ensure compulsory evacuation of those at risk," he added.

Furthermore, the Government and its development partners have mobilised food and non-food supplies to support the displaced. 

All available financial and human resources and public equipment are being deployed to mitigate the adverse effects of the raging waters on life, livestock, crops and property.

"The public is urged to cooperate with safety, health, risk, emergency and communication teams dispatched to monitor, report and oversee help to those who may be in distress," he added.

Meanwhile, the Kenya Meteorological Department advised Kenyans to brace for more rainfall from Thursday through to Friday. Heavy to Very Heavy events are likely in Highlands East/West of Rift Valley, Lake Victoria Basin, Rift Valley, South-eastern lowlands, Coast, North-western, and North-eastern Kenya.

Notably, Nairobi is one of those areas that will experience thunderstorms. The city is one of the areas greatly affected by the floods.

Floods affecting Mathare slums on April 24, 2024. /RACHAEL MWIKALI