As heavy rains pound large parts of the country, President William Samoei Ruto has moved to assure Kenyans that the government is fully mobilised to respond to the unfolding crisis, even as questions emerge over preparedness and the state’s ability to protect vulnerable communities.
In a statement on Sunday, Ruto said the government had activated a multi-agency emergency response to deal with the floods that have already displaced families and disrupted transport in several counties.
“The ongoing heavy rains affecting several parts of our country continue to put lives and livelihoods at risk. My thoughts are with the families and communities that have already been affected during this difficult period,” Ruto said.
The President noted that the government had brought together emergency services, security agencies, humanitarian teams and technical departments to coordinate rescue and response operations across the country.
“Last week, I directed the activation of a multi-agency response bringing together emergency services, security agencies, humanitarian teams and technical departments to coordinate efforts and manage the situation effectively in Nairobi and across the country,” he said.
The response teams are currently assisting with rescue and evacuation operations in flood-prone areas, while engineers and county teams are working to clear blocked drainage systems and restore roads cut off by the rising waters.
Ruto said national government agencies were also working closely with county governments to ensure the safety of affected residents and to provide relief assistance.
“Emergency food supplies and medical assistance are already being delivered to all people affected by the floods,” he said.
The Kenya Meteorological Department has warned that the heavy rains could intensify in the coming days, raising fears of further flooding in low-lying settlements and informal urban areas, particularly in Nairobi.
The floods come at a politically sensitive moment for Ruto’s administration, which has faced criticism in recent months over disaster preparedness and infrastructure failures in major towns.
Opposition leaders have previously accused the government of reacting to disasters rather than investing in long-term mitigation measures such as proper drainage systems, river management and safer housing for vulnerable communities.
The President, however, urged Kenyans to follow official safety advisories as the situation continues to evolve.
“We continue to closely monitor the situation, and I urge all Kenyans to strictly follow the guidance issued by relevant authorities, including the Kenya Meteorological Department and the police,” he said.
“These advisories are issued for your safety, and adherence to them will help us protect lives during this challenging period.”
Seasonal flooding has become a recurring challenge in Kenya, often exposing deep inequalities in urban planning and disaster response. Informal settlements built along riverbanks and drainage corridors are usually the hardest hit.
The government now faces the task of not only managing the immediate crisis but also convincing the public that lessons from past disasters have been learned.
“The government will continue to take every necessary step to safeguard lives, support affected communities, and ensure that no Kenyan faces this challenge alone,” Ruto said.
