Govt to mobilize Sh4bn Emergency Fund to mitigate flooding impact » Capital News
NAIROBI, Kenya, Apr 27 — The government is working towards allocating Sh4 billion towards emergency response efforts aimed at mitigating the impact of the ongoing heavy rains across the country.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua announced on Friday that the government is intensifying its efforts to address the disasters caused by the current rains and floods, which have claimed 70 lives so far.
The move comes in response to forecasts from weatherman predicting continued heavy rainfall throughout the weekend.
“We are in discussions with the National Treasury and we are trying to put up Sh4 billion as an emergency fund. The National Youth Service will be facilitated to resettle the displaced families, unblock drains and waterways and handle the spilling dams,” Gachagua said during a meeting at his official residence in Karen.
He highlighted that the government has activated the National Disaster Response Centre to monitor the country’s situation.
Other interventions include resettling displaced families, rebuilding washed-away bridges, repairing critical infrastructure, and providing non-food and pharmaceutical aid to affected families.
Budget adjustment
The Deputy President also urged County Governments to reallocate their budgets to address the ongoing rains’ effects.
He emphasized the importance of collaboration between National and County Governments in mitigating the impacts of the rains.
Since the onset of heavy rainfall, 70 fatalities, 22 injuries, and eight missing persons have been reported.
He added that 131,179 people have been affected by the rains and that contingency plans have been developed to enhance the coordination of the emergency response.
The Deputy President further asked Kenyans to exercise caution during the rainy season.
“We appeal to Kenyans to be responsible for their own lives and safety. Do not dare nature. In some instances, we have seen people being adventurous and daring to cross swollen rivers,” he said.
“We urge Kenyans to exercise caution and be responsible for their own lives.They must know they carry the aspirations of their families.”
The meeting was attended by development partners, the Kenya Private Sector Association, Cabinet Secretaries, government officials, the Media Owners Association, and representatives from the Council of Governors, including Abdullswamad Nasir (Mombasa Governor) and Johnson Sakaja (Nairobi Governor).
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