The government has ordered residents living within 30 meters of riparian corridors to evacuate their homes within 48 hours, citing imminent danger posed by the ongoing torrential rains and the risk of flooding.
In a statement issued by the Presidential Communication Unit, the Cabinet, chaired by President William Ruto, convened a special meeting to deliberate on additional measures to mitigate the effects of the severe weather on the lives, property, and livelihoods of Kenyans.
“The Cabinet has directed that people living within the 30 meters riparian corridor move out within 48 hours as their lives are in harm’s way,” the statement read.
The directive comes as the country grapples with the devastating consequences of the relentless downpours, which have saturated soils and raised water levels in major dams and reservoirs to historic highs.
“The Cabinet was also informed that water levels at Masinga and Kiambere dams have reached historic highs, with Masinga this Morning recording its highest levels ever surpassing those recorded on 7th May 2020. Kiambere Dam also recorded its highest levels ever on 26th April 2024, surpassing the previous historic levels on 29th November 1997,” the statement noted.
The Cabinet’s decision was based on a weather forecast report from the Meteorological Department, which warned that the ongoing rains would persist in intensity and duration, exacerbating the already dire situation.
In addition to the riparian corridors, the government has identified other high-risk areas, including those prone to mudslides, landslides, and areas near dams and other water reservoirs on both public and private land. Residents in these areas will also be required to evacuate within the stipulated timeframe.
“All members of the public affected by this directive will be notified by the end of the day tomorrow, May 1, 2024,” the statement added.
The government has assured that measures are in place to support the evacuation and temporary shelter of those affected by the directive. Public spaces have been identified across the country to provide temporary accommodation, along with the provision of essential food and non-food supplies.
While voluntary evacuation is encouraged, the statement cautioned that those who remain within the affected areas would be forcibly relocated in the interest of their safety.
The Cabinet has called on the Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development to expedite the rollout of social housing to accommodate these displaced individuals, giving priority to those vacating the riparian areas.
Security agencies, with the support of the National Youth Service, will enforce the evacuation directive, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
The Office of the Deputy President has been tasked with convening a meeting to harmonize resource mobilization and coordinate disaster response efforts to mitigate further loss of life, destruction of property, and livelihoods.
