This archive report was first published on 29 November 2019.
Heavy rains have caused widespread destruction in Kenya, resulting in over 100 deaths and displacing thousands of people.
According to government spokesman Cyrus Oguna, 32 counties have been affected by the floods, with the worst-hit regions being West Pokot, Baringo, Elgeyo-Marakwet, Garissa, Tana River, Narok, and Kilifi.
Mr Oguna stated that the government's records show that 16,000 houses have been destroyed and 11,000 domestic animals killed.
He added that the floods have severely impacted transport, agriculture, and education, with some schools being destroyed but candidates being relocated to safer areas to complete their national examination papers uninterrupted.
Mr Oguna also mentioned that the Kenya Highways Authority is working to repair damaged roads.
On Saturday, mudslides in West Pokot killed 43 people, with seven others still missing, according to Mr Oguna.
However, West Pokot Governor John Lonyangapuo disputed the death toll, stating that 58 people have died and 12 are missing.
Mr Oguna estimated that over Sh20 million is needed to purchase and coordinate relief supplies in mudslide-hit West Pokot, while Sh1.52 billion is required for the other affected counties.
He appealed to humanitarian agencies and Kenyans of goodwill to continue supporting the relief efforts, adding that the government and aid organisations are coordinating the supply of food and other essential items to the affected families.
West Pokot County Commissioner Apollo Okelo stated that the displaced villagers are camping in Tamkal, Nyarkulian, and Parua, with the government's Special Programmes department distributing 560 bags of beans and 200 bags of rice to the families.
Mr Oguna urged people living in flood and landslide-prone areas to move to safer grounds, emphasizing the importance of heeding government weather alerts.
