President William Ruto on Friday, May 3, 2024, issued orders to Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi among other Cabinet Secretaries.
Ruto issued the new directive while highlighting that the CSs are responsible for spearheading disaster response and mitigation efforts across the country following the destruction caused by floods.
The Head of State was speaking at State House Nairobi in a State of the Nation address when updating the country on the current situation following heavy rains that have caused destruction and loss of lives.
Ruto directed Departments and Agencies to work closely with the National Disaster Operations Center and Security Agencies to ensure the whole of government approach to the management of the prevailing crisis.
The President further ordered the Ministry of Agriculture led by CS Mithika Linturi to ensure the seamless distribution of food supplies to the affected families in a bid to support the government’s effort.
“The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, through the National Cereals and Produce Board, is directed to make available food supplies in government stores to support this effort,” said Ruto.
President Ruto in his address highlighted that the government, working with stakeholders, has put in place adequate measures to provide temporary shelter as well as food and nonfood essential supplies.
Also Read: Govt Issues New Directive on School Reopening Amid Floods
Ruto issues directives
On the other hand, the Ministry responsible for Special Programs under CS Peninah Malonza was directed to work with development partners and relevant humanitarian organizations to mobilize adequate food and non-food supplies to support the affected persons.
Also Read: Ruto Postpones School Reopening Indefinitely
Additionally, Ruto directed the Ministry of Interior to coordinate the relocation and evacuation of the affected members of the public, identification of sites for temporary shelter for displaced persons and supervise the overall support programs.
Members of Parliament, on their part, were requested to re-organize their Constituency Development Fund (CDF) allocations to prioritize the reconstruction of school infrastructure that has been damaged as a result of the floods.
“As the National Government plays its role in dealing with the current situation, I request County Governments, Development Partners and the Private Sector to join the efforts,” added President Ruto.
In Nairobi, the Ministry of Interior was directed to enforce the re- location notices issued earlier by the government upon their expiry deadlines at 6:30 pm on May 3, 2024.
The President noted that settlements in riparian reserves have complicated the response efforts and compounded and aggravated the risks to human life and safety.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel for real-time news updates:
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaB3k54HltYFiQ1f2i2C
