Floods Crisis: Cabinet Directs Evacuation from High-Risk Zones


President William Ruto convened a special Cabinet meeting on Tuesday 30th April to discuss additional measures needed to alleviate the impacts of the ongoing heavy rains on the lives, properties, and livelihoods of Kenyan citizens.

During the meeting, the Cabinet reviewed a weather forecast report from the Meteorological Department, which indicated that the current rainfall is expected to continue with significant intensity and duration. The report also warned of potentially dire consequences due to the fully saturated soil across the country.

Furthermore, the Cabinet acknowledged that relevant government agencies have completed the mapping of all vulnerable ecosystems nationwide, posing significant risks to public safety and health in the event of further precipitation.

Consequently, the Cabinet issued a directive for all individuals residing within these high-risk areas to evacuate within 48 hours. These areas include zones near dams and water reservoirs, landslide-prone areas, and riparian lands along rivers and watercourses nationwide. Affected individuals will be notified by the end of May 1, 2024.

The government has established measures to support the evacuation and temporary shelter of affected individuals, with designated public spaces across the country providing essential supplies and humanitarian assistance.

While voluntary evacuation is encouraged, those who remain within the affected areas will be relocated forcibly to ensure their safety. National Government Administration officers (NGAO) will collaborate with county governments, humanitarian organizations, and other stakeholders to facilitate the evacuation and sheltering process efficiently and compassionately.



The National Disaster Operations Centre (NDOC) will oversee the coordination of government ministries, departments, development partners, and stakeholders to ensure a seamless and comprehensive response nationwide.

Security agencies, supported by the National Youth Service, will enforce the evacuation directive. Additionally, the Deputy President's office will convene a meeting with government ministries, departments, development partners, and stakeholders to coordinate resource mobilization and disaster response efforts.

The Cabinet was briefed on the unprecedented water levels at Masinga and Kiambere dams, posing further risks downstream, particularly in Garissa and Tana River counties. In response, residents near dams and water reservoirs are urged to adhere to evacuation directives.

In Nairobi, where informal settlements along the Nairobi River have been severely affected, individuals within the 30-meter riparian corridor are instructed to vacate within 48 hours to avoid endangering their lives.

The Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing, and Urban Development will expedite the rollout of social housing to accommodate those vacating riparian areas, with priority given to vulnerable communities.

Additionally, the Nairobi Rivers Commission, Nairobi County Government, and relevant authorities will collaborate with communities along Mathare, Ngong, and Nairobi rivers to create a 30-meter planning corridor for social housing, parks, roads, and public utilities.



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