President William Ruto has directed kenyans residing in flood-prone areas to move to higher grounds to safeguard their safety.

When presiding over the ceremonial inauguration of Bunge Tower in Nairobi, Ruto voiced worry about the deaths and property damage caused by floods in several regions of the nation.

PHOTO | COURTESY flooded road

“I will be having another emergency session tomorrow with multi-agency teams to make sure we provide adequate support to all those in need and to move citizens who are in dangerous areas that may be susceptible to floods,” he said.

“Unfortunately, we will have to move some of them without them agreeing because otherwise they put themselves in danger.”

Ruto stated that he had authorized the National Youth Service (NYS) to offer land for citizens who would be relocated owing to the rising floods.

“I have authorized the National Youth Service to provide land for those who are living dangerously in some of these areas for them to be moved to safer grounds as we decide what to do with them,” President Ruto said.

PHOTO | COURTESY President William Ruto

He said that the NYS and military had been mobilized, and he urged members of the National Government to collaborate with counties to assist individuals in hardship.

Ruto also stated that the government has donated food and other necessities to help needy people.

Heavy rain caused rivers and dams to overflow, submerging houses. Flood victims in certain regions have had to wait on treetops and roofs until the waters recede before seeking safety.

PHOTO | COURTESY people salvaging their property

Some flood victims have been forced to wait on trees and rooftops until the floods recede before seeking refuge.

Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kithure Kindiki has declared the government's decision to increase efforts to assist individuals impacted by floods caused by the continuing rainfall in the country.

In a statement made on Thursday, Kindiki claimed that a multi-agency response is being coordinated with key government ministries, state agencies, and humanitarian organizations to assist impacted persons.