The National Police Service (NPS) has issued an advisory on traffic expectations amid the ongoing flooding caused by heavy rains in different parts of the country.
Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome in a statement on April 27, 2024, noted that road traffic is expected to be heavy next week as Primary and Secondary schools are expected to resume during the rainy season.
“The ongoing heavy rains and floods being experienced in the Country have not only claimed lives, but also rendered some roads and rivers impassable. Similarly, it is expected that road traffic, both human and vehicular, will be very heavy next week,” read part of the statement.
Koome while highlighting that Police and the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) officers have been deployed along the major highways, called upon all motorists to cooperate with them to improve service delivery.
Further, the police service issued a stern warning to all motorists and boda boda riders urging them to strictly comply with traffic regulations and rules.
NPS issues stern warning
“In the best interest of children that will be travelling back to school, and for the safety of the general public, the National Police Service would like to caution all motorists and boda boda riders to be extra vigilant on the roads, and strictly comply with traffic regulations and rules,” the statement adds.
Also Read: LIVE UPDATES: Four More Bodies Retrieved as Death Toll Rises to 82
The statement by NPS comes hours after the government assured Kenyans that schools will reopen as scheduled next week save for those that have been extremely affected by floods.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said that the Ministry of Education is working with Counties to ensure the safety of children as they return to school for the second term.
“The schools will reopen as scheduled but where there are cases where the people on the ground, the County governments plus the National government Administration and the Directors of Education in those respective counties make a recommendation to the PS Basic Education, we can always extend for a few days as things settle down and as the rains continue,” said Gachagua.
Also Read: Machogu Issues Directive on Floods Ahead of Next Week’s School Reopening
On the other hand, the DP revealed that the government has set aside Ksh4 billion as a national intervention fund towards mitigation of the effects of floods.
According to him, the government will also allocate resources to the roads Department through the various agencies for restoration of damaged roads and bridges and unblocking of drainages.
Death toll from floods
Meanwhile, the national death toll resulting from floods has already hit the 82-mark after eight bodies were retrieved from River Kwa Muswii in Kaikeo, Makueni County.
The eight lost their lives after a lorry that was ferrying more than 15 people across the river was swept away by floods, with the Kenya Red Cross team managing to rescue 11 of those who were on board the ill- fated lorry.
Five people eight are so far listed as missing with the exact number of those who boarded the lorry yet to be established.
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