Interior CS Kithure Kindiki has directed the National Police Service to conduct search and rescue operations by land and air, as floods continue to wreak havoc across the country.
Kindiki said the police will work together with the Kenya Red Cross, alongside other state departments in the multi-agency operation, including the Kenya Coast Guard Service (KCGS).
The CS said all available resources have been deployed to address the flood situation in the country.
“All available financial and human resources as well as public equipment are being deployed to mitigate the adverse effects of the raging waters on life, livestock, crops, and property,” Kindiki said.
The CS has also directed County Security Teams across the country to work in tandem with County Government officials to ensure compulsory evacuation of those at risk.
I have noted that the Meteorological Department and Road Agencies are on alert and will continue to provide regular public advisories on areas likely to be affected by torrential rain.
Kindiki’s directive follows that of President William Ruto on Wednesday, where he directed the ministries of Interior and EAC, Arid and Semi-Arid Lands and Regional Development, and the National Youth Service to immediately respond to the situation caused by the floods.
Many parts of the country have been severely affected by the adverse effects of heavy rains in the last week.
Kindiki has also urged motorists and pedestrians to cease engaging in risky behavior in flooded areas.
He also called on the public to cooperate with safety, health, risk, emergency, and communication teams dispatched to monitor, report, and oversee help to those in distress.
The CS further noted that the government is working in collaboration with its development partners to mobilize food and non-food supplies to support Kenyans displaced by floods.
On Tuesday, the Kenya Red Cross said that at least 23 counties have been affected by flash floods.
Data from Red Cross said that 24, 741 households had been adversely affected with 11,206 getting displaced due to the floods.
The KRC further noted that more than 27,716 acres of land have been submerged while 4,824 livestock deaths were recorded.
As of April 22, four IDP camps had been set up to shelter the displaced persons and at least 20,000 sanitation items had been distributed.
