The Departmental Committee on Regional Development has sounded the alarm over the worsening floods and landslides ravaging different parts of the country, calling for urgent humanitarian intervention and long-term measures to strengthen Kenya’s disaster preparedness and climate resilience.
Addressing journalists at Parliament Buildings on Wednesday, Committee Chairperson Hon. Peter Lochakapong (MP, Sigor) expressed deep concern and sympathy to families affected by the floods and landslides that have claimed more than 34 lives, displaced hundreds, and destroyed homes, schools, roads, and livelihoods.
The affected regions include Chesongoch in Elgeyo Marakwet, Kimende Escarpment in Kiambu, Kamutungi in Embu, Tinderet in Nandi, and Narok South, with additional flood emergencies reported in Tana River, Laikipia, and the Lake Basin region.
Hon. Lochakapong, flanked by Vice-Chairperson Hon. Liza Chelule (Nakuru County Woman Representative), Hon. Khamis Abdi Chome (MP Voi), Hon. Basil Robert (MP Yatta), and Hon. Paul Abuor (MP Rongo), said the Committee stands with affected families and urged agencies involved in the response to expedite their work.
“The Government of Kenya, under the directive of His Excellency, President (Dr.) William Ruto has activated multi-agency emergency response protocols involving the National and County Governments, the National Disaster Management Unit (NDMU), the Kenya Defence Forces, the Kenya Red Cross, and other humanitarian partners. We want those tasked with the humanitarian efforts to move with speed and ensure that no more lives are lost,” said Lochakapong.The Committee urged Kenyans to adhere to safety measures by avoiding flooded roads, rivers, and bridges, moving away from steep slopes and low-lying areas, cooperating with evacuation teams, and following official weather updates from the Kenya Meteorological Department and the Ministry of Interior.
It also cautioned citizens against spreading unverified information that could cause unnecessary panic, instead encouraging coordination with local authorities for accurate updates and reporting of missing persons.
The Committee announced that the National Assembly is in the final stages of passing the Disaster Risk Management Bill, which will provide a strong legal and institutional framework for disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.
Once enacted, the law will enhance coordination, resource mobilization, and community resilience, particularly against climate-related disasters such as floods and landslides.
“This tragedy serves as a painful reminder of the urgent need to strengthen our disaster preparedness and climate resilience measures,” said Hon. Lochakapong.Hon. Paul Abuor (MP, Rongo) revealed that the Committee plans to conduct an extensive fact-finding tour of the affected regions to assess the extent of the damage and gather firsthand accounts from victims.
He observed that most landslides occurred in areas where trees have been cut down, making the land loose and more prone to such calamities.
“We have observed that deforestation is a major contributing factor to these landslides. Environmental conservation must be at the heart of our disaster mitigation efforts,” he emphasized.Vice-Chairperson Hon. Liza Chelule extended heartfelt condolences to families that have lost loved ones and appealed for parental vigilance during the heavy rains, particularly now that schools have closed for the long December holidays.
“We want to urge parents, especially mothers, to keep a close watch over their children during this period to ensure they do not fall victim to flood-related accidents,” she said.
The Committee appealed to the international community, the private sector, and well-wishers to support relief operations through donations, technical assistance, and humanitarian aid.
“Together, we can and will rebuild stronger, safer, and more resilient communities for the future,” she said.The Committee reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring timely, coordinated, and compassionate support for affected families while working with national and county governments to prevent future tragedies.
