The Government has urged citizens to take precautions against floods while advising parents to take good care of their children during this school re-opening period.
Government Spokesperson, Dr. Isaac Mwaura, advised parents and guardians to curtail children’s’ activities including swimming in flood waters, as he advised on the wearing of the live jackets in private boats, when ferrying people.
Speaking in Nairobi, during a press briefing, Mwaura said that some counties will still continue to experience flooding and landslides.
He announced that the State Department of Public Works is carrying out inspection of schools and buildings in the affected counties, to assess the impact of floods on the infrastructure, as well as their readiness to re-admit students.
Spokesperson said that 44 primary schools and 27 secondary schools have not been opened due to flood related challenges and majority of the schools are from Nyeri County, due to slopes of the mountains, prone to landslides among them.
“National, County and multi-agency teams, are working together to ensure that the affected schools are repaired and constructed to create a safe environment for students to resume learning,” he said.
Mwaura added that the impacts of the floods have continued to claim more lives bringing the national tally to 277 lives, losing one life in the last 24 hours.
The Government Spokesperson said that the government will continue to provide the required support to the affected communities and families, as it emphasizes on the safety and security of Kenyans especially to those who are residing in the sloppy areas.
Additionally, the government has urged Kenyans and local and international partners, to work together in providing search and rescue services, as well as food and non-food items supplies to the affected households.
He noted that the floods has impacted 62 health facilities in 11 counties and also damaged 419 water sanitation and hygiene facilities in 20 counties, while adding that 53 Cholera cases have been reported and other water borne diseases in Tana River and Marsabit counties.
Additionally, Mwaura noted that 30 public health officials, have been deployed for risk assessment of 167 internally displaced camps and evaluation of nutrition and safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene points.
He said that the multi-agency team including the state department for public works is undertaking demolitions of unsafe structures in Nairobi County while adding that persons residing within the 30 meter riparian corridor and water sources have been ordered to evacuate.
Mwaura said that the government is facilitating logistical support, temporary shelter and essential food supplies, totaling to one million kilograms of rice and beans, which has already been distributed to those affected.
“No vehicles are allowed on bridges that have been considered unsafe for use and on roads that have been marked as risky,” he cautioned, while urging Chiefs and their Assistants, to keep watch over river and bridge crossings and sensitize residents on hazardous areas.
He acknowledged the help of 151 Kenya Defense Forces, who are actively engaged in Mai Mahiu following the landslide tragedy that occurred in the area, stating that the road is now clear and open for traffic movement.
Mwaura urged the County government and law enforcement agencies to take decisive actions against illegal encroachment and activities along Ruaka River, which include demolition of unlawfully constructed structures and rigorous enforcement of environmental laws to prevent further degradation of the surrounding areas.
“The Government advises all Kenyans to stay safe, we are committed to your safety and your wellbeing, we will continue to issue advisories and to provide weather forecasts to your timely response,” he said.
He announced that the affected families and individuals can reach out for assistance through the emergency toll free line 0800721571.
By Sharon Atieno and Blessing Mutheu
