Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki issued a stark warning to the public on Wednesday, April 17, cautioning about the heightened risk of flooding due to increased long rains across Kenya. Kindiki emphasized the possibility of issuing evacuation orders for several areas across the country as a precautionary measure.

In a statement, the CS highlighted 19 key areas identified by the Ministry as particularly vulnerable to flooding. Notably, he singled out regions along the Tana River and River Thiba, indicating that they could face imminent flooding if the rivers breach their banks in the coming days.

Additionally, areas in Garissa, Tana Delta, and Lamu Counties were identified as at-risk zones. In Western Kenya, parts of Homa Bay, Siaya, Busia, Nyando, Muhoroni, Migori, Kakamega, and Vihiga, especially those near lakes and rivers, were deemed highly susceptible to flooding amid heavy rains.

The warning extended to areas prone to mudslides in the Mount Kenya region, including Makueni, Nyeri, and Murang'a. Other regions on alert encompassed Narok, Kajiado, and Mombasa.

Urban centers with inadequate drainage systems were highlighted as particularly vulnerable to flooding if the precipitation persists unabated.

"The risk of significant flooding in various parts of the Country has put the Government on high alert. Accordingly, the public is hereby notified to exercise caution, plan their movements, and avoid risky behavior near moving waters," read part of the notice.

To address the situation, Kindiki reconvened the Multi-Agency Disaster Management Team, initially established during the 2023 El Nino rains, to monitor developments closely and devise effective solutions. The team will collaborate with the Kenya Red Cross Society and other national and international humanitarian agencies to assess the situation comprehensively.

In the interest of public safety, Kindiki affirmed that the government stands ready to issue mandatory evacuation orders if deemed necessary in specific areas.