Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen on Tuesday November 7 directed the Kenya National Highway Authority (KeNHA) to take charge of accident emergencies along roads.
The directive came after several roads in the Northeastern region were rendered impassable following the heavy rains.
“I take note of the flood situation in the Northern Kenya that has resulted in deaths, destruction of property, and rendered major roads impassable,” stated Murkomen.
Similarly, the raging floods have swept away key road infrastructure, with Kenyans blaming it on poor workmanship.
Also Read: Met Department Reveals Date When El Nino Rains Will Stop
Murkomen Directive to KeNHA
“To mitigate the situation, I have instructed KeNHA to take the lead in conducting emergency responses in the affected Counties,” read part of Murkomen’s statement.
The CS made his remarks while meeting the leaders from the affected region to discuss infrastructure matters, further highlighting the government’s plans to open the region.
He further stated that the move will enable seamless movement of people and goods even as the government awaits to assess the damage and embark on restoration once the rains subside.
Likewise, his remarks came after KeNHA issued a statement on closure of roads in the Northeastern region.
KeNHA Closes Roads Affected by Floods
In a statement on Tuesday, November 7, the authority stated that some roads had been closed, after the area experienced heavy rainfall causing destruction.
According to KeNHA, the heavy rains in the region have caused extensive erosion on the road edges and making them dangerous for motorists and users.
Heavy rains with varying flood effects have been reported across the country. As of November 8, the Kenya Red Cross reported fifteen casualties. At the same time, 50,000 households were displaced across the country.
Northeastern Current Situation
Likewise, according to Redcross, at least 1,067 livestock deaths and 241 acres of agricultural farmland have been destroyed.
On the other hand, the meteorological department warned of more rain in many parts of the country.
The weatherman while confirming that indeed the current downpour experienced in the country is El Nino stated that the month of November will experience high rainfall and that Kenyans should brace for the floods.
Also Read: KeNHA Issues Advisory After Closure of Major Road
“The rainfall season continues; excess rainfall continues this week until the season is over,” said Dr David, Director, Met Department.
Likewise, the weatherman confirmed that there will be a reduction of the downpour in some parts of the country which could cause destruction because of the moisture that will be accumulated in the ground.
“There will be breaks where there will be reduction of rainfall in some places. What come with that is destruction because when it is less there is still moisture in the ground,” stated the weatherman.
