Ruto: New Homes Provided for Families Displaced by Floods in Tana River

President William Ruto has pledged to construct new homes for those displaced by the recent floods in Tana River County. The government has allocated Sh300 million for this initiative.

Addressing the community in Ngao, Tana River County, Ruto assured residents that those whose homes were destroyed by the floods would be provided with new housing. “We have set aside Sh300 million for this project,” Ruto stated.

In addition to housing, President Ruto emphasized the government’s commitment to boosting agricultural production in Tana River. The focus will be on increasing the production of maize, rice, and vegetables. “We want Tana River to make significant strides in agriculture by scaling up the production of these key crops,” he said.

The floods, which struck in April, displaced thousands of residents from Mororo, Bakuyu, and Ziwani. Many were forced to seek refuge in schools in nearby Garissa town.

In May 2024, Pius Mutuku, a medical epidemiologist with the Ministry of Health, reported 44 cholera cases in the county. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), over 69,000 people were affected by the floods as of May 10, 2024.

The United Nations reported at least 32 deaths, 15 injuries, and two missing persons as of April 18. Nationwide, the floods impacted 103,485 people across 21 counties, displacing 40,265 individuals.

Farmers in Tana River lost significant portions of their crops just before harvest due to the floods. Pastoralists also faced severe losses, with many forced to relocate with minimal belongings, expressing doubts about ever returning.

Garsen MP Ali Wario, who witnessed the displacement, has committed to helping rebuild homes for the affected pastoralists and ensuring they can settle in their new locations. These pastoralists are currently camped between Minjila town and Garsen Junction.

The Ministry of Interior’s report in April 2024 indicated a death toll of 210 nationwide due to the floods, with 125 people injured and 90 missing. The flooding affected 33,100 households, impacting approximately 165,500 people. The ministry established 115 camps across 19 counties to house 27,586 displaced individuals, with the total number of people affected by the heavy rains reaching approximately 196,296.