Interior CS Kithure Kindiki Issues New Directives Aimed at Mitigating Loss of Lives and Property Due to Flooding Crisis
Written by moradio on 29 April 2024
NAIROBI, Kenya, April 29- Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has directed County Security and Intelligence Committees to inspect all public and private dams and water reservoir within 24 hours effective today.
In a statement shared on his social media platform, Kindiki expressed deep concern over the loss of life and destruction of property caused by the relentless floods. He emphasized the need for proactive measures to mitigate further tragedies, including compulsory evacuation and temporary resettlement orders where necessary.
Highlighting continued risky behavior by motorists and pedestrians, as well as disregard for weather forecasts and evacuation advisories, Kindiki condemned the exploitation of vulnerable individuals by unscrupulous operators offering unsafe transportation across flooded areas for money.
To address these issues, County Security and Intelligence Committees have been instructed to:
1) Inspect all public and private dams and water reservoirs in their jurisdictions within 24 Hours effective at 1400 Hours today and recommend cases where compulsory evacuation and temporary resettlement orders are to issue.
2) Deploy enforcement teams at urban and rural road spots prone to storm water flooding and without bridges or where the water has breached the bridge to prevent motorists or pedestrians from dangerous crossovers and to arrest and prosecute offenders for attempted suicide and/or attempted murder as the facts of the case may be.
3) Prevent the transportation of passengers across flooded rivers or storm water by unsafe canoes or boats and arrest inexperienced and unscrupulous persons taking advantage of the prevailing situation to cash in on persons in distress.
Kindiki underscored the government’s commitment to coordinating efforts across agencies and partners to prevent further loss of life and property and to provide support to those affected by the ongoing torrential rains.
