President William Ruto has directed Cabinet Secretaries to step up efforts to help rescue people affected by the heavy rains in the country.
The Head of State has specifically called on Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki and her Arid and Semi-Arid Lands and Regional Development counterpart Peninah Malonza to respond to the situation caused by the floods immediately.
Ruto also directed the National Youth Service which falls under the Public Service Ministry headed by Moses Kuria to join the rescue mission in various parts of the country.
The order followed a closed-door meeting with various county governments over the situation in the country on Wednesday, April 23.
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"This morning I engaged leaders in counties and regions affected by the ongoing heavy rains. Consequently, I directed the ministries of Interior and EAC, Arid and Semi-Arid Lands and Regional Development, and the National Youth Service to immediately respond to the situation caused by the floods," Ruto stated.
"They will immediately step up multi-agency response efforts," he added.
This is after various roads were closed in different parts of the county due to flooding.
"Following the heavy rains experienced last night across the country, the following roads within Nairobi County have been heavily affected leading to partial closure," the Kenya Urban Roads Authority announced.
"Aerodrome road, Kapenguria road, UN Avenue - Runda, Kasarani Mwiki Road at Mwiki Bridge. Motorists are also warned of flooding along Mombasa Road at Cabanas, and Thika Road at Githurai/ Kahawa bridge. The traffic police and our technical team are on the ground to direct traffic and enhance the safety of Motorists. We shall keep you posted as the situation unfolds," the notice added.
Besides the roads, various estates have been submerged by the flooding water in various parts of the country. Athi River, Mlolongo, Syokimau, Mathare, Juja, Kasarani and Runda are among the areas affected by the situation.
Kenya Red Cross has been at the forefront of rescuing people in those areas.
"Following other rescue operations in Mathare, Githurai 45 and other places in Nairobi, we have also rescued 96 people at Graceland in Athi River following yesterday night's heavy downpour. This was made possible through the collaborative efforts of a multi-agency rescue team and community members," the Kenya Red Cross announced.
