President William Ruto has called for the immediate deployment of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) alongside a multiagency emergency response unit to speed up rescue and relief efforts following severe flooding in parts of the country.
In his first official statement on the floods, issued on Saturday, the Head of State acknowledged the heavy toll of the ongoing disaster in Nairobi and other regions, noting the loss of lives, displacement of families, and widespread destruction of property and livelihoods.
President Ruto said the emergency response will be led by the Ministry of Interior, working in close coordination with the military and other disaster management agencies.
President William Ruto Orders Rapid KDF Deployment and Multiagency Response to Tackle Devastating Floods. Photo: Courtesy.
The deployed teams are tasked with coordinating rescue operations, providing support to affected communities, and ensuring that people at risk are quickly relocated to safer areas to prevent further loss and hardship.
On Friday night, the military deployed a Rapid Response Unit (RRU) to assist motorists and residents caught in traffic and other high-risk areas.
President William Ruto also ordered the immediate release of relief food from national reserves and pledged to cover hospital bills for flood victims in public health facilities.
Addressing concerns over Nairobi’s drainage systems under Governor Johnson Sakaja, Ruto said the national and county governments are working together on the ground to tackle the crisis and protect residents’ welfare.
The national and county governments are implementing long-term flood control measures in Nairobi and other urban centres. 4,000 Green Army personnel have been deployed alongside emergency teams to unclog drains and ease flooding.
President William Ruto said displaced families will receive humanitarian support, with the government working closely with counties to coordinate a response that prioritises citizens’ safety.
He highlighted the Nairobi River Regeneration Programme as a key effort to restore ecosystems, improve drainage, and reduce future flood risks.
