Ruto's orders ahead of Cyclone Hidaya, major operation in Nairobi this evening

President William Ruto is making his national address on the floods from State House, Nairobi.
Cabinet warns that Cyclone Hidaya is about to hit Kenya [Details]

Ruto: Our country must act decisively and swiftly to mitigate the devastating impacts of the present crisis to protect life and humanity.

The loss of life and property has been most devastating in fragile ecosystems for which the government has taken the following measures:

1. The government has mapped out 178 dams and water reservoirs situated within public and private lands in 33 counties which are already full and present imminent danger to adjacent settlements.
2. Areas prone to landslides and mudslides in various counties have been identified as high-risk areas from which the adjacent settlements have to be evacuated.
3. Relocation notices have been issued to all persons living in unplanned settlements within riparian reserves and along rivers, streams and other water courses.

Over the last 10 days, Ruto's cabinet has met 3 times to provide leadership on the government response to the crisis.
The National Treasury, through the Office of the Deputy President, has been directed to provide adequate resources to support disaster response and mitigation efforts across the country. Primarily for the purchase of food, medication and other non-food items.

County security committees to determine, on a case by case basis, the scope of areas subject to evacuation and mandatory relocation.
The committees should further monitor dams and reservoirs that may not be presenting a risk but could potentially flood.

Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and police service directed to deploy resources, personnel and equipment for carrying out public safety and risk mitigation across the country.
Security agencies encouraged to enlist support from the National Youth Service (NYS) and NGAO officers for response.

Cabinet Secretaries to coordinate government response in coordination with the National Disaster Response Centre and security agencies.
Ministry in charge of special programmes to coordinate efforts with development partners and humanitarian organisations.
Ministry of Agriculture through the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) to avail food supply in government stores for disaster relief.
Ministry of Health to coordinate efforts with the World Health Organisation (WHO), AMREF, Red Cross, UNHCR and relevant humanitarian agencies for medical supplies.
Ministry of Interior to coordinate evacuation and relocation efforts.
Ministry of Education to postpone school reopening for Term II until further notice.

National Assembly Representatives (MPs) to reallocate Constituency Development Funds (CDF) toward reconstruction of school facilities damaged by floods across the country.

Nairobi
Ministry of Interior directed to execute evacuation and relocation orders for settlements along riparian reserves by 6:30 p.m. on Friday May 3, 2024.

Members of the public urged to follow safety precautions and desist from endangering their lives by attempting to cross flooded rivers.
President Ruto also urges citizens to support ecosystem restoration efforts to avert future extreme climate conditions, specifically the goal to grow 15 million trees in the next 10 years.

Media has donated airtime worth Sh100 million toward disaster response and mitigation.

Ministry of Environment to expedite the implementation of the ecosystem restoration program and work with ministries, departments and stakeholders for a concerted effort.

Explainer on Cyclone Hidaya