The government is now requesting striking doctors and other health workers to resume duties to aid citizens affected by the ongoing flooding due to heavy rains in most parts of the country.
Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura told the health workers to prioritize the flood victims instead of financial interests during these dark times.
“The government will cater for all their hospital bills and wishes them a quick recovery. The government appeals to doctors and other health workers to resume their services to assist their fellow citizens and not to prioritize financial interests during this emergency,” Mwaura stated.
Mwaura also expressed sadness over the enduring flooding situation, which continues to impact numerous communities across the nation.
He extended sympathies to those who have lost loved ones, homes, and livelihoods due to the emergency.
The spokesperson emphasized the importance of remaining vigilant, following flood alerts and cooperating with rescue and evacuation teams.
Mwaura on flood victims
Mwaura reported 66 fatalities in the last 24 hours alone, with the cumulative death toll rising to 169 since the onset of the March-April-May long rains.
He said that a mudslide that occurred in the Mai Mahiu area of Nakuru County on Monday, April 29, resulted in 45 deaths and 73 individuals injured.
With 70 people reported missing, bringing the national tally to 91, and over 190,000 persons displaced, the situation remains dire.
Mwaura said Nairobi County has been hit the hardest, with over 147,000 people displaced, prompting the government to establish additional displacement camps for temporary accommodation.
“70 people have been reported as missing, bringing the national tally to 91 (76 in the Rift Valley region, 10 in the Eastern region, 4 in Nairobi County and 1 in the Coast region.) This is an increase from yesterday’s tally of 21 persons. The floods have also led to the displacement of 30,214 households comprising approximately 190,942 persons,” Mwaura stated.
“Nairobi County is the worst hit with 147,031 people displaced accounting for over 77% of those displaced countrywide. The government empathizes with those affected and has subsequently set up 2 more displacement camps to provide alternative temporary accommodation. This brings the total number of displacement camps to 52 nationally.”
He noted that weather forecasts predict continued rainfall across various parts of the country, with heavy rains expected in specific regions.
The public was urged to exercise caution, particularly near fast-moving waters, steep slopes with saturated soils, and areas prone to landslides.
The government assured ongoing efforts to coordinate response activities through the National Multi-Agency Emergency Response Committee, housed at the National Disaster Operations Centre.
Mwaura said senior government officials have been deployed to affected regions and counties to oversee emergency response efforts.
The spokesperson called upon all Kenyans to remain vigilant, adhere to safety guidelines, and cooperate fully with emergency responders and local authorities.
He emphasized the importance of collective participation in supporting those affected and reinforcing national resilience.
For emergency assistance, citizens were encouraged to contact the National Disaster Operations Centre through the toll-free line provided.
