Yesterday afternoon, the Prime Minister, Right Hon. Raila Odinga chaired a committee on the response to the flowing – several Ministers attended the meeting: Ministry of Special Programmes, Provincial Administration, Public Health, Medical Services, Water, Regional Development and Roads.

Stock was taken on what has so far happened as a result of the ongoing heavy rains.

Thirty five (35) people have died as a result of flooding since October in Nairobi, Turkana, Laikipia, Kajiado, Rongai, Mogotio, Magarini and Tana River.

There has also been massive destruction of road infrastructure and in some parts, destruction of food. The meeting by the Prime Minister directed a technical group to come up with assessment and requests for effective response. On the ground, it should be noted that an El Nino contingency plan was already in place before the rains.

Food stocks valued at 382 million Kenya shillings were pre-positioned in parts of the country in all areas that were estimated would be cut off. These stocks include food and Medical supplies.

Kenyans need to be aware that the Government has food and other essential stocks in place but is using various agencies to distribute the stocks. For example, the Red cross and others are lead agencies for Government; – The World Vision is the Government’s lead agency in Turkana. The food and medicine they are distributing is from the Government of Kenya and partners, coordinated through various Government agencies. Therefore, no one is justified to say the Government is not doing anything.

Forecast

According to meteorological experts, they expect a reduction of the rain in the northern part of the country and an increase in the southern parts, especially in South Coast, Western and Nyanza.

On a positive note, we do expect, in the lower Eastern parts - a very good harvest in the lower Eastern areas especially in Ukambani and parts of Coast Province. Water levels have also improved and we expect dams to fill up in two weeks.

The Government will continue to update Wananchi as we monitor the rains.



Dr. Alfred N. Mutua, EBS
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS SECRETARY/
GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN

January 7, 2010