Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki on Wednesday, April 17, warned the public that the potential for flooding caused by increased long rains may require issuance of evacuation orders in several parts across the country.
In a statement, the CS identified 19 key areas pinpointed by his Ministry as risk-prone areas.
CS Kindiki in particular pointed out that in the event Tana River and River Thiba burst their banks in the coming days, areas along the water bodies would be rendered prone to flooding.
Besides the areas in question, sections of Garissa, Tana Delta and Lamu Counties are also likely to flood as well.
Further, areas in Western Kenya such as parts of; Homa Bay, Siaya, Busia, Nyando, Muhoroni, Migori, Kakamega and Vihiga especially those near lakes and rivers stand a high risk of flooding if the country continues to experience heavy rains.
Equally, areas within the Mount Kenya region that are prone to mudslides such as Makueni, Nyeri and Murang'a were also listed.
Other areas include; Narok, Kajiado, and Mombasa.
Urban areas with poor drainage systems risk flooding if the long rains continue uninterrupted in the coming days as well.
"The risk of significant flooding in various parts of the Country has put the Government on high alert. Accordingly, the public is hereby notified to exercise caution, plan their movements and avoid risky behaviour on moving waters," the notice read in part.
To mitigate the situation, Kindiki reconvened the Multi-Agency Disaster Management Team to monitor the situation and provide a solution.
The team was established during the 2023 El Nino rains and provided measures for the government to respond to the disaster across the country.
The team will also partner with the Kenya Red Cross Society and other National International humanitarian agencies to assess the situation.
"Should the situation demand, the Government will issue mandatory evacuation orders in specific areas in the interest of public safety."
