The Kenyan government has put in place vigorous measures to mitigate the effects of the floods that have left more than 90 people dead and dozens missing across the country. President William Ruto, addressing the nation on 3 May 2024, urged the national treasury to provide adequate resources for the purchase and supply of food, medical equipment and other non-food items for displaced people. He also emphasised the collaboration between the county government, development partners, the private sector and citizens in the fight against climate change.
In Kenya, the government has adopted holistic measures to mitigate the effects of the floods that displaced an estimated 131450 people between March and April 2024. In his address to the nation on May 3rd 2024 in Nairobi, President William Ruto reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring an effective response to the crisis following weather reports predicting increased rainfall. Ministries, departments and agencies are urged to work with the National Disaster Operations Centre and security agencies to ensure effective crisis management.
“Our country must act decisively and swiftly to mitigate the devastating impacts of present crisis and protect lives and property.The government has mapped out 178 dams and water reservoir situated within public and private lands in 33 counties which are of already full and present imminent danger to adjusting settlements and people”.
William Ruto, President of the Republic – Kenya
As part of its approach to tackling climate change and mitigating the effects of flooding in Kenya, the government urges citizens to maintain and intensify a positive response to the ecosystem restoration plan, which aims to grow 15 billion trees nationwide over the next 10 years.
“We must therefore remain committed to confront this existential challenge and do it fast. It is imperative for us to prioritize environmental conservation efforts and implement aggressive reforestation and West wetlands restoration efforts. Scientific evidence indicates that restoring our natural habitat is our best defense against escalating weather extremes”.
William Ruto, President of the Republic – Kenya
The Flood in Kenya has claimed the lives of over 200 people and left dozens of others missing. However, the Kenya Meteorological Department and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Climate Prediction Applications Centre have warned that Kenya may face its first-ever cyclone. To this effect, the government urges collaboration between county governments Private sectors, and development partners..
