Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Sunday directed Kenyans residing in low-lying and land-slide vulnerable regions prone to El Nino rains to evacuate to higher grounds.
In a statement, the DP revealed that over the past week, the number of counties affected by El Nino rains has increased from 19 to 33.
As such, Kenyans in the affected counties were advised to move to safer grounds.
The counties in question include; Mombasa, Garissa, Tana River, Makueni, Marsabit, Kilifi, Kwale, Meru, Isiolo, Turkana, Samburu, Wajir, Homa Bay and Busia.
While ordering the evacuation, Gachagua updated the public that a command centre had been set up at Kenya Defence Forces Headquarters.
KDF and other key stakeholders will provide joint constant aerial and, land surveillance to monitor the situation and identify emergency areas for intervention.
“Government helicopters are on joint rescue missions of marooned families, distribution of humanitarian aid- foods and non-food items, medical supplies, among others,” the DP announced.
Gachagua who is coordinating government response on El Nino revealed that at least 80,000 households had been affected by heavy rains across the country.
He urged county governments to allocate and release more funds to complement the National Government's mitigation efforts.
“Call on our partners to enhance their financial, technical and logistical support in reducing and mitigating the impact of the El Nino,” he added.
Kenyans were further advised to avoid taking risks such as driving or walking into flood waters.
Gachagua assured the public that President William Ruto’s administration would ensure the safety and security of all Kenyans.
