Govt To Deploy KDF Soldiers Countrywide- Gachagua Announces
Vice President Rigathi Gachagua disclosed that officers from the Kenya Defense Forces will be on standby to respond to El Nino-related emergencies throughout the country.
The DP made these remarks while hosting governors and other stakeholders at his Karen residence in Nairobi for the El-Nino Response and Impact Mitigation Strategic Meeting.
Gachagua stated that the National Government is willing to collaborate with devolved units to assist with unclogging drainages and preparing for heavy rainfall.
“I give the government’s commitment that we shall apply all the resources at our disposal including
the Kenya Defence Forces,” he announced.
“The National Youth Service is a reserve army for the country when there are challenges. The National Youth Service will be available to help the counties that have cities and towns in cleaning and unclogging the drainage system so that we do not have a big problem.”
In his speech, the DP exhorted county governments to construct artificial waterways to reduce surface runoff.
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He identified Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and Nakuru as the cities most susceptible to flooding as a consequence of obstructed waterways.
“We also recognize that with the expansion of our towns, we have not matched drainage systems as required. As a matter of urgency, we request Counties to prepare artificial waterways,” he added.
“This will reduce surface run-off and risk of flooding, more so, in residential areas.”
Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, Baringo, Uasin Gishu, and Elgeyo Marakwet are among the counties most likely to be devastated by the forthcoming El Nino, according to Gachagua.
Nandi, Kericho, Bungoma, Kakamega, Busia, Trans Nzoia, West Pokot, Vihiga, Laikipia, Murang’a, Nakuru, and Narok are additional counties.
“As you may have observed, these regions are either in or west of the Rift Valley. These regions are home to over fifty percent of Kenya’s population, he noted.
The heavy precipitation will commence in October and continue through December.
Govt To Deploy KDF Soldiers Countrywide- Gachagua Announces