This archive report was first published on 11 May 2020.
As the Meteorological department's projections of continued flooding until the end of June spread despondency, the government is facing mounting criticism for its handling of the crisis. Published on May 11, 2020, the department's warnings have been consistently ignored, leading to devastating consequences.
The death toll from the floods has risen to 219, with the possibility of more fatalities as rains continue relentlessly. The hardest-hit areas include West Pokot, Elgeyo Marakwet, Garissa, Tana River, Kisumu, and Western Kenya. In Western alone, 58,000 people have been displaced, and 3,300 acres of cash crops have been washed away.
Those who bear the brunt of the floods live along River Nzoia in Budalang'i, Busia County, along River Nyando in Kisumu County, River Ewaso Ngiro, and Tana River. Heavy displacements have occurred in these areas, forcing survivors to seek refuge in churches, school compounds, and market centres. In the midst of the chaos, it is unlikely that the victims will be able to observe social distance, wear facemasks, and wash their hands to contain the spread of coronavirus.
The government and some politicians have offered help in the form of face masks, sanitizers, food provisions, blankets, and mattresses. However, it is hardly enough for those who require such assistance. The shortage of clean drinking water could herald the spread of waterborne diseases as latrine contents are brought up by floods and spread to many areas.
The need for a permanent solution to the flooding menace and destruction of lives and property cannot be overemphasized. The government must take the bull by the horns, evacuate people living along river banks, and those obstructing waterways by allocating them land in safer areas. Doing so and giving people financial help to rebuild will override any resistance to being moved.
