The government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has confirmed that five children are among those who have lost their lives due to the ongoing flooding in the country.
The number of families displaced and the households affected has also risen according to the latest statistics from the government.
"As of today, we are mourning the loss of a total of 257 lives with 14 adults and 5 children reported dead in the last 24 hours. A total of 188 people have been injured, while 293, 661 people have been affected and 54,837 households have been displaced.
"These unfavourable weather conditions continue to impact varied sectors of our economy including transport, housing, education, health and agriculture. We are equally saddened, by the rising death toll and we send our sincere condolences to the affected families and friends," Mwaura's statement read.
Floods to persist
The statement also said the flooding situation is expected to persist in most parts of the country, with the latest weather forecast indicating that heavy rainfall and thunderstorms will continue in 31 counties.
"The affected regions include the Lake Victoria Basin, Rift Valley, Central and the Eastern regions. Occasional rainfall is also forecasted in Nairobi and along the Coast region, affecting the Tana River, Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi, and Lamu counties.
"Further, Lake Victoria and Lake Baringo are predicted to continue causing backflow and flooding of the Counties in the Lake Victoria and Lake Baringo Basins. Additionally, continuous heavy rains in the Central region and the overflow of the Seven Forks Dams, pose the risk of increased flooding in the Tana Delta and the Garissa, Tana River, and Lamu counties.
"Additionally, 61 health facilities have been affected in 11 Counties and crops on approximately 9,816 acres of land have been destroyed," it added.
Mwaura also highlighted the efforts the government is undertaking to ensure the safety of the families at risk of being affected badly by the raging floods.
"In Nairobi County, the households residing within the 30m riparian corridors and other water causes, are currently being evacuated for their safety and evacuation notices have also been given to all the residents in the areas prone to landslides and mudslides.
"Further notices have been given to those in the sections within the drainage pathways of the Kenya railway tunnels, to give way for the rehabilitation of the railway infrastructure.
"As has been indicated in our previous briefings, the affected households are being provided with logistical support, temporary shelter and essential supplies to cushion them during this demanding period," the statement continued.
Mwaura noted that there is however, the need for more food, medical kits and non-food items in affected counties and where search and rescue operations are still ongoing including in Narok, West Pokot, Nyeri, Siaya and Kirinyaga counties.
