- Ruto was speaking on Friday during his national address.
- The head of state said the country must act swiftly and decisively to mitigate the devastating impacts of the present crisis and protect life and property.
Image: PCS
President William Ruto has outlined several initiatives they have taken as a government to mitigate the severe consequences of heavy rains pounding the country.
Speaking on Friday during the State of the Nation address, Ruto said the loss of human life, displacement of people, and destruction of property have been most profound within fragile ecosystems.
Ruto said the government has mapped out 178 dams, and water reservoirs situated within public and private land in 33 counties, "which are already full and present imminent danger to adjacent settlements."
He also said areas prone to landslides and mudslides in various counties have been identified as high-risk areas from which the adjacent settlements have to be evacuated.
"Relocation notices have been issued to all persons living in unplanned settlements within riparian reserves along rivers, streams and other watercourses," he said on the third step.
The head of state said the country must act swiftly and decisively to mitigate the devastating impacts of the present crisis and protect life and property.
In his address, Ruto also said Kenya may face its first-ever Cyclone. He said the Cyclone named Hidaya could hit anytime.
He said the Kenya Meteorological Department and the IGAD Climate Prediction Applications Centre, have issued a stark warning.
"Meteorological reports paint a dire picture. The rains will persist increasing both in duration and intensity for the rest of this month and possibly after," he said.
"The Cyclone is predicted to cause torrential rain, strong winds and powerful and dangerous waves, which could potentially disrupt marine activities in the Indian Ocean and settlements along the Kenyan coast."
Ruto also appealed to Kenyans not to dare Mother Nature as the country continues to experience heavy rains almost daily.
He asked Kenyans to desist from recklessly attempting to cross flooded rivers or drive on waterlogged roads.
“The public is called upon to respect and adhere to safety alerts and interventions and to desist from risking their lives or the lives of others by daring the force of nature,” he said.
As of May 3, the death toll from the ravaging floods reached 210.
The number rose to 210 after an additional 22 deaths were reported as a result of the floods.
The Interior Ministry said a cumulative 125 people were reported injured.
The number of missing persons currently stands at 90.
A total of 33,100 households have been displaced affecting approximately 165,500 people.
The total number of schools affected by the heavy rains stands at 1,967.