We have set aside Sh40 million to tackle floods, assures Murkomen

Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen during the requiem mass of the late Baringo Senator William Cheptumo at the AIC Church Milimani in Nairobi, on February 27, 2025. [Boniface Okendo, Standard]

The government has set aside Sh40 million for disaster and emergence response ahead of the start of the long rains, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has said.

On Wednesday, Mr Murkomen appeared before the Senate and said the Ministry of Interior and National Coordination had told residents of Kisumu, Busia and Tana River counties to prepare for a possibility of floods.

He said the government has strengthened early warning systems and disaster preparedness measures in readiness for flood risks and will be issuing timely alerts, besides mobilising emergency response.

“The government will mobilise more resources should there be a need besides putting in place climate-resilient infrastructure, flood control measures and disaster mitigation strategies to reduce vulnerability,” he said.

The CS said the prolonged 2024 rains resulted in flooding that affected most parts of the country where 315 people died due to floods, 293,205 individuals were displaced and 412,263 persons affected.

Murkomen said flooding last year caused damage to roads, bridges, aerodromes, railway lines, health facilities and school infrastructure with mitigation measures being put in place to reduce more damage in case of a similar occurrence.

He said already there is a three-month weather forecast issued by Kenya Meteorological Department for March, April and May, which indicates near to above-normal rains for the western part of the country and below-normal for the rest.

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Murkomen said his ministry is creating awareness among stakeholders and the public on flood risks and safety measures, improving drainage systems in towns and acquiring food and non-food items in preparation for the season.

“The government is fostering collaboration among stakeholders to develop coordinated responses to flooding incidents, the government is putting measures in place to ensure that we are ready in case of any eventuality,” said Murkomen.

He was responding to Nominated Senator Beatrice Ogolla who had sought to know the level of preparedness in mitigation of drought and floods, given the devastation that was experienced in the country during the heavy rains last year and in previous years.

Senator Ogolla also asked Murkomen if there are specific areas mapped out for such mitigation measures and what strategies have been put in place for such zones in case of an emergency.

“I would like to know how much money has been set aside in the year 2024/2025 budget earmarking disaster and emergency response, what is the level of preparedness in mitigation of drought and floods,” asked Ogolla.

Murkomen said on handling cattle rattling especially among the Turkana, West Pokot and Samburu communities the government is implementing a multi-faceted approach to address the persistent raids.

He said the government has Increased police presence through specialised units such as the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU), Rapid Deployment Unit (RDU) and General Service Unit (GSU) to deter criminal activities.

Murkomen said there are ongoing efforts to recover illegal firearms through voluntary surrender programmes and security operations by increasing patrols along porous borders with neighboring countries to stop cross-border raids and smuggling stolen livestock.

“We are also strengthening inter-county and cross-border collaborations, particularly with neighbouring counties and countries, to prevent the movement of stolen livestock and the spread of conflict across borders,” said Murkomen.