This archive report was first published on 26 November 2019.
The recent heavy rains in Kenya have led to a humanitarian crisis of unprecedented proportions, with over 50 people losing their lives in West Pokot due to raging floods and landslides.
As the country struggles to come to terms with the devastating impact of the floods, it has become clear that the government's disaster response and planning have been woefully inadequate.
According to experts, the heavy rains are not only causing widespread destruction but also exposing the country's inability to manage crisis situations effectively.
With more downpours predicted until next month, the situation is likely to worsen, and the government must take immediate action to address the crisis.
One of the major concerns is the lack of proper warning systems, which could have minimized the impact of the floods. It is also troubling that several days after the calamity hit, many people cannot be accounted for, presumably as they may have perished.
On Monday, top government officials, led by Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i, were unable to reach the village where dozens of people met their cruel death, highlighting the challenges of accessing affected areas.
Providing interventions, including food, clothing, and medicines, is simply impossible in the current circumstances, with families being thrown out to the elements.
Displaced persons should be assisted with accommodation and saved from the agony of harsh weather and health risks. The government must find a way to reach the afflicted and assist them with relief provisions.
Furthermore, the rains are demolishing infrastructure, including roads, which will require massive repairs and restoration at a time when the government's coffers are running empty.
The government will have to assess the full impact of the damage and adopt corrective measures to prevent similar disasters in the future.
It is also noted that the torrential rains are going to waste, with very little being done to dam the rainwater for a lean day, which is sure to come early next year.
