Government intensifies relief efforts in flood hit areas

The Government has intensified distribution of food and non-food items to families affected by floods as part of the key response interventions of saving lives as enhanced rains continue across the country.

Speaking when he led a relief exercise at Valley Bridge Primary School, in Mathare, Nairobi County, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said State Agencies in Collaboration with other partners are working to support displaced persons.

“The Government is doing everything possible to ensure no more lives are lost and no property is destroyed. We are working with all the partners to ensure effective response,” said Mr Gachagua.

The Deputy President added that respective agencies have been instructed to assess and repair infrastructure destroyed by the rains to support response to emergencies, besides a return to normalcy.

The DP said the Kenya Urban Roads Authority is repairing 26 bridges in Nairobi to avoid disruption of learning as schools reopen tomorrow.

“The construction works have started because we want our children to go back to school without any difficulties,” he revealed.

The Deputy President also said the National Youth Service had been activated to help in opening up clogged drainages and clearing up blocked roads among other needed services.

Additionally, the Ministry of Health is working with the health facilities to ensure availability of medicine to avert outbreak of diseases that could further put at risk the lives of those in various camps.

The DP also bought new books and reading materials for children who lost theirs to the floods.

“We are grateful for the work done by volunteers who rescued hundreds of people from flooded areas. They did a good job and we truly appreciate them,” he added.

He also called on Kenyans not to put themselves at risk by attempting to cross flooded roads and rivers, saying it was unfortunate lives have been lost due to such daring acts.

“I appeal to the people of Kenya not to dare nature. We have seen incidents where some have put themselves in danger and we have lost lives. I ask them not to compete with nature,” he added.

At the event, the DP was joined by East African Community and Regional Development Cabinet Secretary Peninah Malonza, Principal Secretary ASALs and Regional Development Harsama Kello, UN Resident Coordinator Stephen Jackson, UNHCR Representative Caroline Van Buren, Nairobi County MP Esther Passaris, Embakasi North MP James Gakuya, area MCA Joseph Ndung’u, MCAs, among others.