Cabinet Secretary Interior Kipchumba Murkomen has deployed security and emergency response teams across the country as the country is set to receive heavy rains this weekend.
This comes as the country is yet to recover from the effects of the last holiday weekend as the government has announced that this weekend is also expected to receive heavy rains that may affect movement and activities across the country.
According to Murkomen, multi-agency response teams have been put on high alert to respond to the effects of the expected rains. The teams comprise personnel from the Kenya Defense Forces, National Police Service, Kenya Coast Guard Service, and administrators.
This comes as the Kenya Meteorological Department announced that the rains are expected to start as early as Friday and may even persist until Tuesday. The regions that may receive the rains include Rift Valley, Lake Victoria region, central region, and even Nairobi County as flooding has been reported in the last few days.
Some of the counties have been listed as high risk, especially those which have been experiencing heavy rains and floods. The coastal and northern regions will also receive a lot of rain, and this is likely to bring about flash floods.
The government’s concern follows the floods which have been happening over the last few weeks. The floods have resulted in loss of life and have forced many families out of their homes. The roads, schools, and markets have also been destroyed, and this makes life even harder for the people.
Murkomen has, however, asked Kenyans to be careful, especially those in areas which are likely to be affected by floods and landslides, including some parts of the Aberdare ranges and the Mt. Kenya region.
The government and relevant authorities are asking people not to cross flooded roads or rivers and to be alert during the heavy rains.
As people prepare to celebrate the holiday, the government is asking everyone to stay safe and look out for each other during what could be a difficult weekend.
