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Oguna says 29 people killed by floods as 11,000 displaced

Friday, October 25th, 2019 07:00 | By
Cyrus Oguna
Cyrus Oguna PHOTO/File

 By Seth Onyango and Irene Githinji 

Government Spokesperson Cyrus Oguna has confirmed that 29 people have died and six others injured over the past three weeks due to raging floods in various parts of the country.

In the same period more than 11,000 people have been displaced and 10,000 livestock swept away as the heavy rains continue to pound counties such as Lamu, Kwale and Garissa.

Sectors affected include infrastructure, education and agriculture, seriously interfering with food production and health in the affected counties.

“As Government, we regret the loss of lives and the destruction of property occasioned by floods,” Oguna told the press during his weekly address.

In total, 25 counties in both the ASAL and non-ASAL regions have been adversely affected by the heavy rains.

These include Mandera, Wajir, Marsabit, Turkana, Garissa, Lamu, Kwale, Isiolo, Samburu, Tana River, Kilifi, TaitaTaveta, Makueni, Kitui, Machakos, Busia, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, Siaya, Baringo, West Pokot, Elegeyo Marakwet and Trans-Nzoia.

This comes even as Education Principal Secretary Dr Belio Kipsang yesterday assured that all candidates will receive their national examination as scheduled.

His remarks come amid growing concern over logistical challenges brought by enhanced rainfall in parts of the country.

But Kipsang allayed the fears, saying centres cut out by rains will be consolidated should the need arise even as he directed field officers to liaise with county commissioners to ensure no exam fails to be delivered.

Avert deaths

The Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) exams officially commence next Tuesday  while Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) will start on November 4.

Education Cabinet Secretary Prof George Magoha has already written to his Environment counterpart Keriako Tobiko, seeking an advisory on weather patterns during the exam period. 

“In order to properly and comprehensively plan for this exercise, kindly provide us with a weather advisory covering the period October 20 and November 29. This will enable us anticipate weather changes and equip our team with adequate information to effectively deliver the examination,” Magoha said in the letter.

Oguna has said the government will work with other agencies to avert deaths and help those already affected by the floods.

“The National and respective County Governments, together with various humanitarian organisations such as the Kenya Red Cross Society are working to assist local communities in the affected counties,” he said.

Short term interventions include rescue operations of marooned Kenyans, enhanced supply of food items to the affected communities and distribution of non-food items such as blankets.

The government will also supply water, and provide medical attention in the affected regions.

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