Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has announced that the government has allocated Kes 4 billion for immediate response to the devastating flooding caused by heavy rains in several parts of the county.

Speaking on Friday, the Gachagua said the government has intensified efforts to mitigate disasters resulting from the ongoing enhanced rains and floods despite the meteorological department’s warning of continued heavy rainfall for the next three days.

According to Gachagua, 70 people have lost their lives, 22 have been injured, and eight are missing since the onset of the heavy rainfall.

Further, he said that 131,179 people have been affected by the rains, with contingency plans in place to enhance the emergency response coordination.

“We are in discussions with the National Treasury, and we are trying to put up 4 billion shillings as an emergency fund. The National Youth Service will be facilitated to resettle the displaced families, unblock drains and waterways, and handle the spilling dams,” Gachagua said .

In addition to the loss of lives, cattle, and food crops, the heavy rains have destroyed roads and bridges across the country, disconnecting some areas from the rest of the country.

 Gachagua said that the National Disaster Response Center will be open 24 hours to monitor the situation, with several interventions already made to immediately respond to the rain’s havoc.

Other interventions include resetting displaced families, restoring washed-away bridges, repairing critical infrastructure, activating the National Disaster Response Center, and distributing food, non-food and pharmaceutical items to affected families.

Kenyans have been advised to be vigilant for potential and flash floods as rain intensifies in the coming days.