Don't underrate floodwaters, Murkomen tells motorists

Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen has urged motorists to be cautious while driving as heavy rains continue pounding various parts of the country.

He further called on Kenyans in general to be careful when using roads due to floods.

In a statement on X, Murkomen said his ministry through State agencies is working on measures to mitigate the floods.

"The heavy rains currently being experienced in different parts of the country have resulted in floods that have led to the loss of lives, destruction of property and critical infrastructure like railway lines, roads and bridges, and disruption of traffic flow," he said.

Murkomen said the ministry is working to restore destroyed infrastructure and ensure undisrupted movement of people and goods to various destinations.

"Even as we do so, I wish to urge Kenyans to exercise caution as they use the roads. In particular, motorists and other road users should not underestimate any floodwaters," he added.

Most parts of the country are flooded due to the enhanced rains leading to flash floods in many places.

Interior CS Kithure Kindiki echoed Murkomen's sentiments and asked Kenyans to exercise personal responsibility and keep off moving waters.

"As the government upscales its interventions to mitigate the loss and damage arising from torrential rains ravaging many parts of the country, the public is urged to stop risking their lives by driving through or walking in moving water," he said.

On Friday, at least 10 people were feared to have drowned while trying to cross the flooded Muswii River in Makueni County.

An attempt by some residents to cross the flooded river in a lorry ended in disaster when the vehicle was swept away.

They were riding on an open lorry that was carrying sand during the unfortunate incident.

Red Cross said 11 people were rescued although other sources put the number at 14.

The government has moved to alleviate the suffering inflicted on Kenyans by raging floods ravaging various parts of the country.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua announced three interventions on Friday after chairing the National Disaster Response Technical Committee meeting on Enhanced Rainfall and Floods at his Karen official residence.

In a dispatch to the press, the Deputy President said the interventions are geared towards saving lives and averting further destruction of property.

He said the government has allocated funds for the construction of bridges and roads that have been destroyed by the floods to enable the movement of people and learners when schools reopen.

“The government will ensure schools affected by floods will be reopened when safety measures are in place. The schools will be handled case by case to avoid exposing learners to danger,” he said.

Gachagua further announced the government will work with the Kenya Red Cross to supply food and non-food items to people displaced by the floods.

He urged Kenyans to be extra cautious and avoid flooded rivers stating that the government is determined to save lives and property.

The DP expressed gratitude for the support they have received from partners “who have been kind enough to offer assistance to boost our response.”