President William Ruto has ordered the deployment of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and a multi-agency emergency response unit to support rescue operations following severe flooding in Nairobi and other parts of the country.
In a statement dated March 7, Ruto noted that ongoing flooding has caused immense distress to many families, resulting in the tragic loss of lives, displacement of residents, and damage to homes, property, and livelihoods.
“To strengthen ongoing rescue and relief operations, I have directed the immediate deployment of a multi-agency emergency response team led by the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, working closely with the Kenya Defence Forces and other emergency response agencies,” read part of the statement.
The President has extended his condolences to affected families and expressed solidarity with all those impacted by the disaster.
Ruto Orders Deployment of KDF in Nairobi
According to Ruto, KDF will work to coordinate rescue efforts, support affected communities, and ensure that those in danger are immediately moved to safer locations to prevent further crisis.
“This team will coordinate rescue efforts, support affected communities, and ensure that those in danger are moved to safer locations,” read part of his statement.
He said the emergency response operation will be coordinated by the Ministry of Interior, working alongside the military and other disaster management agencies.
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Additionally, Ruto ordered the immediate release and distribution of relief food from the country’s national strategic reserves to assist households impacted by the flooding crisis.
He added that the government will cover the hospital bills for flood victims currently receiving treatment at public health facilities across the affected regions.
“The Government will meet the hospital bills for those injured or affected by the flooding who are currently receiving treatment in public health facilities. Emergency humanitarian support will also be extended to families facing displacement and hardship during this period,” read part of his statement.
The national government is working closely with the Nairobi City County Government and other county administrations to ensure a coordinated response that prioritises the safety and well-being of citizens.
Several People Confirmed Dead After Friday Night Floods in Nairobi
On Saturday, the National Police Service confirmed that at least 23 people died following severe floods that hit Nairobi on Friday, March 6.
In a statement issued on March 7, NPS stated that the heavy rains caused extensive damage, including the destruction of property, the closure of major roads, and the displacement of residents in affected areas.
“The torrential rains have led to significant flooding, unfortunately resulting in 23 fatalities so far, the destruction of property, road closures, and the displacement of residents,” read part of the statement.
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Earlier, the Nairobi Police Commander George Seda reported that eight of the victims were swept away by rapidly rising waters, with some losing their lives while trapped in vehicles carried off by the strong currents.
Two additional fatalities occurred in separate electrocution incidents in different parts of the county during the floods.
Seda reported that at least 71 vehicles were stranded across the city as major roads became impassable due to heavy flooding.
In an interview with Radio Citizen on March 7, he cautioned that more fatalities could be reported as rescue teams work in the worst-hit parts of the city.
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