President William Ruto has defended the government’s strategy in responding to the ongoing flood disaster in the country.
The president has highlighted various plans considered while budgeting for both the National and County governments that help prepare for various emergencies.
Speaking to BBC, Ruto urged leaders and Kenyans at large to restrain from blaming each other over the recent occurrences, and instead work together to mitigate the same.
“This is not the time for a blame game, we should just address ourselves to the issues, and move with speed to respond. I ask citizens to move away from areas of danger,” the president stated.
Following recent criticism from County leaders on the national government’s response strategy to the affected areas, Ruto explained that the county budgets were flexible enough to accommodate such emergencies.
“The instruments that have been built into the budget give all governments, at all levels emergency resources. There is always room for any county to adjust their budgets to take care of emergencies,” he noted.
“Every level of government has been built into the budget, that a certain percentage of their budget can be reorganised to meet emergency requirements.
Ruto further commended Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for his efforts in spearheading rescue missions and distribution of relief utilities to affected areas around the country.
“As early as last week, we already had food items being sent out to places where there are floods,” he added.
Promising to formulate a plan to deal with the aftermath of the disaster, Ruto added that he was working with development partners to mobilise resources to repair roads and houses affected by the heavy rains.
“We will need development resources to repair the roads, we will need resources to rebuild homes for the affected, and food security issues.”
At least 120 lives have been lost in the recent weeks following the floods, with others declared missing persons. People living near rivers, dams and other water bodies have been advised to relocate, as most have broken their banks.
