Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has announced that the Government is streamlining its response to floods in order to facilitate efficient and effective distribution of humanitarian support across the country. Gachagua stated that a whole-of-society approach is being adopted to ensure better coordination as calls for help intensify.
During a meeting with the National Disaster Response Steering Committee and Development Partners in Karen, Gachagua emphasized the Government’s focus on reaching as many affected people as quickly as possible. He highlighted the importance of this approach in allowing for rapid and strategic response to areas with the greatest need, as well as delivering timely and coordinated assistance to the most vulnerable families.
Various channels for contributions to the response efforts have been activated, with Gachagua calling on local and foreign partners to continue their support. Development partners with existing financial arrangements with the Government are requested to support the response through the National Treasury and inform the National Disaster Operations Center Secretariat and the International Development Partnership Coordination Unit (IDPCU).
Gachagua also urged the private sector and individual well-wishers wishing to make cash donations to liaise with the National Drought Response Team led by Safaricom Chief Executive Officer Peter Ndegwa, as its mandate has been expanded to cover floods.
County Commissioners have been instructed to work closely with Governors to ensure that those in need receive support as quickly as possible. Gachagua asked the Governors to consider readjusting their budgets to make more resources available for the response kitty.
He also expressed appreciation for the support from partners, including 40 metric tonnes of food and 34 non-food items from the United Arab Emirates. United Nations Resident Coordinator Stephen Jackson stated that foreign partners have raised Sh900 million to boost response and humanitarian activities in the country, and they are seeking more support.
Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki reported that six aircraft are on standby to assist in rescue operations and the delivery of relief food to those in distress.
