The National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) says approximately two million Kenyans are in urgent need of food aid, a situation made worse by heavy rains causing widespread displacement and destruction in various parts of the country.
The NDMA’s March update reports acute malnutrition among children and pregnant/breastfeeding mothers, with over 847,000 children and 124,000 mothers needing urgent treatment.
“Acute malnutrition has also been noted across the counties with 847,932 children aged six to 59 months and 124,359 pregnant and breastfeeding mothers malnourished acutely and in need of treatment,” the NDMA said on Tuesday.
The NDMA has called for sustained food assistance and cash transfers, particularly targeting vulnerable populations in flood-prone areas.
The recent heavy rains in April have further intensified the challenges, leading to more displacement and damage to infrastructure, especially in arid regions.
Officials have reported a death toll of 169 people due to flooding, with around 200,000 individuals displaced nationwide.
Kenyan Government Order Residents in High-Risk Areas to Move to Higher Ground
Yesterday, Tuesday April 30, Kenya’s President William Ruto visited flood-hit Kamuchiri village north-west of Nairobi, where he instructed residents residing near dams and rivers considered at high risk to evacuate within 48 hours.
“Within 48 hours from tomorrow, everyone living on the riparian zones should vacate.
“In Nairobi and all over the country, because we do not want to keep losing the lives of our citizens. We will put in place adequate plans to feed them, shelter them and provide all the necessary requirements.
“We decided this in cabinet today and the government will work with development partners on this undertaking,” President Ruto said.
Kenya’s cabinet stated that individuals who do not comply with the evacuation order will be relocated forcefully.