Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has announced that the ongoing El-Nino rains have adversely affected at least 80,000 households across 33 counties in Kenya. The impact of these heavy rains has prompted a multi-agency response to minimize the risk of loss of life, with the deployment of helicopters for rescue efforts and the distribution of critical aid.
Gachagua stressed the urgency of the situation, emphasizing the concerted efforts of government agencies, county governments, and partners to address the challenges posed by the El-Nino phenomenon. The affected counties, including Mombasa, Garissa, Tana River, Makueni, Marsabit, Kilifi, Kwale, Meru, and Isiolo, have been identified as high-priority areas for intervention.
In light of the forecast pointing towards prolonged and intense rainfall continuing into December and the first quarter of 2024, Gachagua urged counties to allocate and release funds to supplement the national government’s mitigation initiatives. Furthermore, he underscored the importance of clearing waterways and drainage systems in urban areas to prevent further inundation and related risks.
The deputy president also called upon Kenya’s partners to bolster their support through financial, technical, and logistical means to address and alleviate the impact of the El-Nino. Additionally, he issued a plea to residents living in low-lying and landslide-prone areas to relocate to safer grounds, prioritizing their safety in the face of the ongoing natural calamity.
