At least 12 individuals have been killed, while some 3970 households have been displaced by the recent floods across the country, Interior and National Administration Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo has announced.
Dr. Omollo noted that the floods caused by the ongoing heavy rains in various parts of the country have also caused significant destruction to transport infrastructure and agriculture.
He made the remarks in Ogenya area, Kadibo Sub-County, where he visited to assess flood response efforts for victims in severely impacted regions.
The PS said that out of the 20 counties affected by floods, Kisumu County leads with the highest number of displaced persons.
Dr. Omollo further emphasised the need for sustainable resettlement programmes to relocate community members to more secure places as a long-term strategy for the perennial problem.
“Some households, especially here in Ogenya Displaced Persons Camp, have been here for a record six years. It is not acceptable in this era that we have Kenyans staying in camps for years. It is our responsibility to work together as the national and county governments to establish a resettlement programme that moves people from danger,” he said.
The PS also announced plans for infrastructure development, including the extension of dykes, de-siltation and the construction of the Koru-Soin dam upstream to regulate water flow and support irrigation.
He encouraged the residents to embrace tree planting initiatives and actively participate in the newly launched Chief’s Climate Action Day, to be held every first Friday of the month in an effort to mitigate the effects of climate change.
“Tree planting is vital for securing our environment, mitigating climate change effects, and addressing food security challenges,” he advised.
The PS was accompanied by Muhoroni MP Onyango K’Oyoo and his Budalangi counterpart Raphael Wanjala, Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga, and Nyanza Regional Commissioner Flora Mworoa.
Rains expected to decrease
In related news, the Kenya Meteorological Department has released its weather forecast for the week of December 3 to December 9, 2024, predicting decreased rainfall across much of the country.
Despite this, some areas are expected to receive significant showers, including the Lake Victoria Basin, the South Rift Valley, the South-Eastern Lowlands, and the Coastal regions.
The forecast also highlights the likelihood of extreme temperatures during this period. Daytime highs are expected to surpass 30°C in coastal areas, northeastern Kenya, and northwestern regions like Turkana and Lodwar.
Conversely, nights in the Central Highlands and the Central Rift Valley are projected to be chilly, with temperatures dropping below 10°C in some areas.
