By Lauryne Akoth
President William Ruto has given directives on the evacuation of individuals displaced by floods.
Speaking during the official opening of Bunge Towers, Ruto noted that he had initiated talks with the counties affected by floods and had engaged the military and the National Youth Service to assist those displaced by floods.
“Yesterday in the morning, I had engagements with the counties facing this challenge. We have mobilized the National Youth Service and the military. Members of the National Government are collaborating with the counties to support those in distress,” Said Ruto.
Additionally, he mentioned that the Ministry of Special Programmes has provided food and other amenities to support those affected by floods.
The head of state also noted that the National Youth Service (NYS) will be assisting in the evacuation process by providing land to accommodate displaced individuals.
“This morning I have authorized the NYS to provide land for those people who are living dangerously in some of the areas for them to be evacuated into safe grounds as we decide what to do with them next,” said the head of state.
As per his directives, an emergency session will be convened with Multi-Agency teams to strategize on providing adequate support to individuals affected by floods as well as the evacuation procedures for individuals susceptible to floods.
“Unfortunately we will have to move some of them even without them agreeing otherwise they put themselves in danger,” emphasized the head of state.
Furthermore, he revealed that tomorrow, the Deputy President will convene a meeting alongside other stakeholders, including development partners, to enhance cooperation in addressing the flood disaster.
He encouraged Members of Parliament to adopt a comprehensive government approach to assisting those affected.
The President’s directive aligns with the measures implemented by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kindiki to assist individuals impacted by floods, as per the President’s instructions.
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“The National Disaster Operations Centre (NDOC) at the Interior Ministry has this morning stepped up the coordination of multi-agency response interventions of relevant government ministries, departments, and agencies, as well as humanitarian organizations to offer support to affected persons,” Said Kindiki.
“The National Police Service (NPS) is coordinating search and rescue operations by land and air, and the Kenya Red Cross is supplementing the measures. The Kenya Coast Guard Service (KCGS) has also been directed to step up its response operations,” read his statement in part.