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In response to the tragic dam burst in Mai Mahiu, Nakuru County, which claimed over 70 lives on Monday, the Kenyan government directed County Security and Intelligence Committees (CSICs) nationwide to inspect all public and private dams and water reservoirs by 2 p.m., Tuesday, April 30th, 2024.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki issued the directive following reports that the dam failure originated from a nearby river overflowing due to heavy rainfall. “The inspections aim to identify potential hazards and areas where immediate action may be necessary,” Kindiki stated.
Based on these evaluations, CSICs are empowered to recommend compulsory evacuations and temporary resettlement for communities at risk from unstable dams or overflowing waterways.
Kindiki also stressed the need for heightened vigilance on flood-prone roads. He directed counties to deploy enforcement teams to such areas and ensure these teams have the authority “to arrest and prosecute offenders for attempted suicide and/or attempted murder as the facts of the case may be,” Kindiki said. This measure aims to deter individuals from risking their lives and the lives of others by attempting to cross flooded bridges.
The directive also focuses on preventing the exploitation of vulnerable individuals during these emergencies. Enforcement teams will be tasked with stopping the use of unsafe canoes or boats for transporting passengers across flooded rivers or storm water. Additionally, they are authorized to apprehend “inexperienced and unscrupulous persons taking advantage of the prevailing situation to cash in on persons in distress,” the minister added.
Authorities report that over 100 people were rescued and treated at the Mai Mahiu health center after the dam burst at 4 a.m., while 32 others required transfer to the Naivasha sub-county hospital.
In a show of support for those affected by the Mai Mahiu flash floods, government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura Tuesday announced that the state will cover the hospital bills of the 73 injured victims currently receiving treatment at nearby hospitals. Mwaura made the remarks while addressing the press in Mombasa. “All their hospital bills will be paid by the government in the spirit of solidarity,” he said.
On Tuesday, African Union Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki sent a message of condolences to Kenya following the deadly floods that have claimed over 160 lives thus far.
In a statement, Faki asked President William Ruto to receive his condolences, even as the country grappled with heavy rains that had led to flooding and also destruction of property.
“My sincere condolences to and in solidarity with the affected families, President William Ruto, the Government and the people of Kenya amid the devastating floods across the country that had claimed more than a hundred lives, displaced many more and destroyed homes and key infrastructure,” Faki said.
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