Residents of Athi River and its surrounding areas have received a stern warning to vacate riparian land to prevent further flooding crises, following recent flooding on Wednesday, April 24, 2024.
Authorities have cautioned that investors who have developed properties along river banks would be identified and action taken against them.
During a food distribution event in Athi River, officials from the Machakos County Government and a national government multi-agency team highlighted that the flooding situation had been exacerbated by encroachments on river banks.
The overflow of River Athi claimed two lives and affected numerous businesses and families due to heavy upstream rainfall.
Machakos County Commissioner Josephine Ouko stated that at least 1,293 families had been affected by the floods and warned residents against returning to evacuated areas.
She emphasized the importance of relocating residents to safer grounds, as the duration and intensity of rainfall remained uncertain.
“We’ve made efforts to save lives and identify risky areas. Residents must not return to hazardous zones, and the government has established camps for the affected families,” Ouko emphasized.
Terry Mbaika, the Principal Secretary of the State Department of Devolution, noted that the disaster underscored the need for enhanced disaster preparedness measures by the government.
Ukambani leaders, including Mavoko MP Patrick Makau, put aside political differences to aid affected families and devise long-term solutions to prevent future flooding crises.
Makau announced that students from affected families would attend public primary schools without uniforms temporarily to prevent absenteeism and potential dropouts.
“We’ve coordinated with public school principals to accommodate affected children unconditionally. Secondary school principals have also agreed to extend the deadline for affected learners to pay school fees. We’re committed to ensuring minimal disruption to the academic calendar,” Makau assured.
These sentiments were echoed by Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi, Mwala MP Vincent Kawaya, Nominated Senator Tabitha Mutinda, and other Ukambani leaders present.
Affected families received essential supplies such as bedding, solar lamps, cooking stoves, toiletries, and food items including maize, beans, sugar, and rice.
Two camps were established at public primary schools to shelter affected families, consisting of both slum dwellers and residents of upscale estates.
River Athi, fed by several tributaries including major rivers in Ngong and Kajiado County, is served by a single bridge connecting Namanga Road and Mombasa Road.
