Gov’t sets up additional IDP camps as floods displace more p****e

Cabinet Secretary for Interior Kithure Kindiki has confirmed the establishment of more camps for people who have been displaced by the ongoing floods in the country.

The creation of these camps is one way taken by the state to help mitigate the impact of the flooding issue.

"The government clarifies that as of noon today, May 4, 2024, 138 camps spread across 18 counties have already been set up to offer temporary shelter to members of the public displaced by the prevailing deluge.

"The camps are hosting 62,061 people from 14,771 households who are being supported with food and non-food essentials until the floods subside," Kindiki said in a press statement.

The government added that more camps will be established as the heavy rains persist and cause havoc.

"As the rains persist to saturate soils, loosen rocks on steep hillsides, and generate raging stormwater, National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs) countrywide, under the supervision of the respective County Security Committees, are continuously monitoring the situation to ensure that as many more temporary shelter points as necessary are established to accommodate affected persons," the statement added.

The CS's statement added that the list of the actual locations of the temporary shelter camps in each county has been published and is publicly displayed at the offices of the respective assistant chiefs, chiefs, assistant county commissioners, deputy county commissioners, and county commissioners. 

Dangerous dams

Security apparatus at county and sub-county levels across the country has been ordered to monitor dams that are full and pose a risk to the public.

"Besides the 178 dams and water reservoirs in 33 counties where relocation and evacuation orders have been issued, county security committees are directed to continuously monitor other dams or water reservoirs within their respective jurisdictions that may not be presenting public safety risks at the moment but could do so in the event of more rains," it added.

County Security Committees have been further directed to collaborate with the respective county governments and stakeholders to conduct outreach programs to sensitize the public on disaster preparedness, evacuation procedures, and emergency response measures. 

Identify and publicize assembly points for those relocating or being evacuated, reception centres at the temporary shelter camps, and put in place verifiable documentation procedures for all persons hosted within each temporary shelter camp.

They have also been called to collaborate with the respective county governments and stakeholders to realize effective flood mitigation efforts and a coordinated response to emergencies.

"Security agencies are also directed to ensure that the relocation and evacuation of affected persons is done in good time, in an orderly manner, humanely, and with full respect to the dignity of the affected persons," Kindiki's statement concluded.