Floods: President Ruto orders deployment of multi-agency team

President William Ruto has ordered the immediate deployment of a multi-agency emergency response team to support rescue and humanitarian operations following severe flooding that has affected parts of Nairobi and several other regions across the country.

In remarks addressing the situation, President Ruto expressed sympathy to families who have lost loved ones and assured Kenyans that the government is mobilising all available resources to respond to the disaster.

At least ten people were reportedly killed in Nairobi in the flood which wreaked various parts of the city on Friday, March 6. The floods have disrupted communities, leaving many residents displaced and damaging homes, businesses and infrastructure in affected areas.

“The ongoing flooding in parts of Nairobi and several other areas of our country has caused immense distress to many families, resulting in the tragic loss of lives, displacement of residents, and damage to homes, property, and livelihoods,” the President said.

“To strengthen ongoing rescue and relief operations, I have directed the immediate deployment of a multi-agency emergency response team led by the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, working closely with the Kenya Defence Forces and other emergency response agencies,” he added.

Military personnel in Nairobi during a search and rescue operation during the floods on Friday

The team will coordinate search and rescue operations, assist affected communities and relocate residents living in high-risk areas to safer locations.

According to the President, the multi-agency approach is meant to ensure rapid response, better coordination among security and emergency services, and faster delivery of humanitarian assistance.

President Ruto also announced a series of humanitarian measures aimed at supporting families affected by the flooding. “I have also ordered that relief food from our national strategic reserves be immediately released and distributed to families affected by the floods,” he said.

In addition, the government will cover hospital bills for victims injured during the floods who are receiving treatment in public health facilities while emergency humanitarian support will also be extended to families facing displacement.

The President noted that the national government is working closely with the Nairobi City County Government and other county administrations to coordinate rescue operations and humanitarian assistance.

President Ruto said the recurring floods highlight the need for lasting urban flood management solutions.