Speaking during his weekly briefing on Thursday, Government Spokesman Cyrus Oguna said similar occurrences are likely in parts of Northern Kenya, Coast, Nyanza and Central Kenya where heavy rains have been reported/FILE
NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 17 – The Government has cautioned residents of at least 22 counties to move to higher and safe grounds after forecasts showed a high probability of cases of flooding and landslides.
The 22 counties include Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, Isiolo, Samburu, Tana River, Lamu, Kilifi,Mombasa and Kwale.
Others are Taita Taveta,Makueni, Kitui, Busia, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, Siaya, Turkana,Baringo and West Pokot.
The warning was issued on a day four people died when their vehicle was swept off by flash floods in Mwingi.
Speaking during his weekly briefing on Thursday, Government Spokesman Cyrus Oguna said similar occurrences are likely in parts of Northern Kenya, Coast, Nyanza and Central Kenya where heavy rains have been reported.
“Nairobi, Mombasa and Narok have been flagged out as possible risk areas. Areas likely to be affected in Nairobi are Mukuru,Kibera, Mathare and Kawangware. Residents of these town are reminded to avoid areas of possible flooding,” he stated.
As the rains continue, he urged residents from the central part of Kenya – Murang’a, Nyeri, Meru, Tharaka Nithi and Kirinyaga – to take caution on landslide and to relocate to lower safer grounds until the subside.
He assured the government is constantly monitoring the situations in all the affected Counties and has put measures in place to deliver exams to all areas including where roads are impassable as national exams in primary and secondary schools begin in subsequent weeks.
Oguna said the government has also provided food rations, water and non-food items such as medicine and mosquito nets to the affected citizens.
“In case of a disaster there are sufficient early warning system that are on the ground and able to provide information and advice on want should be done,” he assured.
Kenya Meteorological Department issued a notice on Monday forecasting a 33 to 66 per cent probability of rainfall in coast, south eastern, western and central regions of the country including Nairobi.
The department issued an alert on probable occurrence of floods.
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