As the country mobilises resources to mitigate the control effects of floods across the country, Kirinyaga County has sounded the alarm, highlighting the urgency of the situation in affected areas of the county.
Mwea Constituency, is the worst-affected area in Kirinyaga County, with some families displaced and properties destroyed.
The Member of County Assembly (MCA) representing Wamumu Ward, Peter Gitonga, emphasised that the current state of floods, especially along the Thiba River, is worrying and the national government should declare it a national disaster, which will call for immediate action from the Government of Kenya and other development partners.
Speaking at County Assembly Chambers in Kerugoya, Gitonga underscored the gravity of the situation, stressing that the floods have disrupted livelihoods and posed significant risks to public health. He lamented the lack of food aid reaching affected families in Mwea, urging government intervention to address the crisis and help the affected businesses.
“Many families have been affected, and it is time for the government to pronounce it a national disaster so that our bilateral partners can come in and help.”
Echoing Gitonga’s concerns, Tembere Ward MCA Peter Karinga said that though the County Government of Kirinyaga had sent the rapid response team to assess the challenges posed by the relentless flooding, nothing much had been achieved. He urged individuals and organisations capable of providing assistance to step forward, emphasising the threats of waterborne diseases and drought once the waters recede.
“The governor sent a response team, but it seems to be overwhelmed due to the increasing effects of the disaster. We request that the organisations that can provide food and non-food substances to come and assist us,” Gitonga said.
The leaders also expressed concerns over the negative effects of the floods and emphasised the need for pro-active measures by both the National and County governments to act on the impending crisis, including waterborne diseases.
By Grace Njoki
