President William Ruto has announced a pledge of Ksh10,000 to every household in Nairobi affected by flooding, aiming to assist them in securing alternative accommodation.
Speaking in the Kiamaiko area of Mathare slums on Monday, April 6, 2024, Ruto emphasized the government's commitment to supporting displaced families during this challenging time.
"Households elfu arubaini hapa Nairobi ambayo wamehamishwa kwa sababu ya safety yao, kila boma serikali tutawapatia shilingi elfu kumi ya kutafuta makao mahali mutakaa mukingojea mipanga ya serikali," Ruto said," Ruto stated.
Also Read:
He assured affected families that their names had been documented, and the government would ensure they received financial assistance for accommodation for the next three months while their situations were being addressed.
"Kila boma ambayo tumehamisha hapa tumeandika majina yenu na tutahakikisha yakwamba wale walikua wanaisha hapa, kila boma, kila nyumba tutawapatia pesa ya mahali ya kurent for the next three months wakati serikali inapanga vile mambo yenu inashugulikiwa," he added.
Furthermore, Ruto underscored that the funds allocated for displaced families would be safeguarded against corruption, warning against any attempts by unscrupulous individuals to misappropriate the funds.
"Na nimesema hio pesa haitakuliwa na mabwenyeye, wale watu wakijaribu hio Kiswahili watakutana na mimi. Nimewaambia wakoro na wafisadi na wezi mambo ya ni matatu," Ruto vowed.
Expressing empathy for the displaced families, Ruto acknowledged the loss and damage they had suffered due to the floods, including the destruction of homes and belongings.
"Kwanza mimi nataka niseme poleni ana kwa wale watu walikua wanaishi hapa, manyumba imeharibika,imebebwa na maji. Mali yao imeharibika. Naskia sufuria na sahani na blanketi pia na mattress imepotea," he said.
Ruto also reassured flood victims that the government had secured sufficient food supplies to sustain them until they could be resettled and urged them not to worry about going hungry.
"Ya kwanza, mimi nataka niwaambie hakuna mwanachi ata lala njaa. Hakuna mtoto atalala njaa, tutaleta chakula ya kutosha kila mwanachi pata chakula mbaka pale kila mtu atakua amejipanga a vile mambo yake anaendesha kawaida," he assured.
Additionally, the President announced a government allocation of Ksh1 billion for the construction of new schools in Nairobi, emphasizing the administration's commitment to enhancing education infrastructure.
"Hapa Nairobi serikali tumetoa shilingi bilioni moja ya kujenga mashule yenu mpya," he disclosed.
Flood situation
A total of 42,526 households have been displaced by flood as of May 5, 2024.
Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura said the floods have approximately affected 212,630 people with 138 camps set up across 18 counties hosting 62,061 people.
The death toll arising from floods stands at 228 as of May 5, 2024.
