Floods
As the Country mobilizes resources to mitigate the control effects of floods across the country, Kirinyaga County has sounded the alarm, highlighting the urgency of the situation in affected areas in the county. Mwea Constituency, is the worst affected area in Kirinyaga County with some families displaced and properties destroyed.
The Member of County Assembly (MCA) representing Wamumu Ward Peter Gitonga, emphasized that the current state of floods especially along Thiba River is worrying and the national government should declare it a national disaster, which will call for immediate action from the Government of Kenya and other development partners.
Speaking at County Assembly Chambers in Kerugoya, Gitonga underscored the gravity of the situation, stressing that the floods have disrupted livelihoods and posed significant risks to public health. He lamented the lack of food aid reaching affected families in Mwea, urging government intervention to address the crisis and help the affected businesses.
“Many families has been affected and it is time for government to pronounce it a national disaster so that our bilateral partners can come in and help”
Echoing Gitonga’s concerns, Tembere Ward MCA Peter Karinga, said though the County Government of Kirinyaga had sent the rapid response team challenges posed by the relentless flooding, nothing much had been achieved. He urged individuals and organizations capable of providing assistance to step forward, emphasizing the threats of waterborne diseases and drought once the waters recede.
“The Governor sent a response team, but it seems to be overwhelmed due to increasing effects of the disaster, we request the organizations that can provide food and non-food substances to come and assist us” Gitonga said.
He noted the blockage of canals in the expansive Mwea Irrigation scheme is due to a misunderstanding between National Irrigation Authority and County government over who is responsible in carrying out desiltation. The leaders also expressed concerns over the negative effects of the floods and emphasized on the need for pro-active measures by both the National and County governments to act on the impending crisis such including waterborne diseases.