Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has ordered urgent action in response to the devastating floods and landslides currently affecting Nairobi County. Speaking at Drive-In Estate in Ruaraka, where a 23-year-old single mother and her two children lost their lives, CS Ruku emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting lives and property in vulnerable areas.
Ruku directed the Principal Secretary for Special Programmes to convene a multi-agency meeting aimed at fast-tracking mitigation efforts across the flood-stricken city. The meeting is expected to bring together government agencies, disaster response teams, and local authorities to coordinate emergency relief and long-term solutions.
During the visit, Ruku revealed that the ongoing heavy rains have already displaced nearly 200 people and affected 55 households in Nairobi. The government has since provided relief food and essential supplies to the affected families. “The State Department for Special Programmes, in conjunction with other relevant arms of government, is taking proactive steps to safeguard the lives and well-being of all Kenyans,” he assured.
The CS further announced plans to relocate residents from high-risk areas to safer grounds. He emphasized that the relocation process will be carried out in a humane and lawful manner. “We are not only responding to this emergency, but we are also planning ahead to prevent future tragedies,” he said.
Ruku urged residents in vulnerable locations to heed government warnings and voluntarily evacuate before the situation worsens. He reiterated the importance of community cooperation, noting that saving lives must take precedence over all else.
This move comes as weather forecasts predict continued rainfall across the region, raising fears of more landslides and flash floods. The government is also appealing to non-governmental organizations and private sector players to support the emergency response efforts.
The tragedy in Ruaraka has brought renewed urgency to Kenya’s disaster preparedness and climate adaptation strategies. As flooding becomes more frequent and severe, authorities are under pressure to implement lasting solutions and strengthen early warning systems to protect at-risk communities.
