In March and April 2024, Kenya faced one of the most catastrophic flooding events in memory. Torrential rains have wreaked havoc across the country, leading to widespread destruction, displacement, and tragic loss of life. Around 300 lives were lost and an estimated 50,000 families were forced to flee their homes.
In an unfortunate turn of events, the government began to enforce a longstanding policy of creating a 30-metre green riparian corridor along urban rivers, even as those most affected grappled to cope with the loss of their homes and livelihoods. Citing flood risk mitigation, authorities embarked on demolitions of thousands of homes, businesses and institutions located within this corridor, without offering alternative housing. Thousands who had barely escaped the floodwaters now find themselves without any shelter, grappling with the harsh reality of homelessness.
The displaced families are now living in overcrowded makeshift camps, struggling to meet their basic needs. Access to clean water, food, and medical supplies is limited, raising fears of disease outbreaks. The emotional toll on these families is immense, as they have lost not only their homes but also loved ones, community ties, and a sense of security.
Many children are out of school, their education disrupted by the disaster. With their homes destroyed and school buildings damaged, there is a pressing need for temporary learning spaces to ensure their education continues.
The government’s decision to demolish houses during such a crisis has sparked widespread criticism. Many argue that these demolitions should have been postponed or approached with more sensitivity, given the scale of the humanitarian emergency.
In the face of this disaster, the spirit of community and international solidarity has been heartening. Local communities have rallied together, with individuals offering shelter and aid to those affected.
International donors and organizations have pledged support, providing funding and resources to bolster the relief efforts.
Social media has played a crucial role in mobilizing support and raising awareness about the plight of the flood victims. Hashtags such as #KenyaFloods and #SupportKenya have trended globally, highlighting the disaster and prompting swift responses from the global community.
As the immediate crisis subsides, the focus will inevitably shift to rebuilding and ensuring long-term resilience against future floods. This includes constructing more robust infrastructure, enhancing early warning systems, and enforcing better urban planning to prevent settlements in high-risk areas.
The Kenyan government, together with its partners, must also work on comprehensive recovery plans that address both the physical and psychological needs of the affected populations. This involves rebuilding homes, schools, and healthcare facilities, as well as providing psychosocial support to help communities heal and rebuild their lives.
The floods in Kenya have left a trail of devastation that will take years to fully recover from. As relief efforts continue, it is imperative to focus not only on immediate needs but also on long-term solutions to build a more resilient and safer Kenya. The collective efforts of the government, local communities, and the international community will be crucial in navigating the path to recovery and ensuring that such a disaster does not repeat itself.
Author: Chebet Birir
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