Kenya government directs inspection of all dams ahead of compulsory evacuation

NAIROBI, Kenya

Kenya government has directed County Security and Intelligence Committees (CSICs) across the country to inspect all public and private dams and water reservoirs by 2 p.m. Tuesday.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki on Monday directed the committees to thereafter recommend cases where compulsory evacuation and temporary resettlement orders should be issued.

This is in the wake of Monday morning’s incident where a dam burst its banks in Mai Mahiu, Nakuru County, and wiped out homes and vehicles, killing over 45 people.

The floodwaters originated from a nearby river that broke its banks in after heavy rainfall, according to the Red Cross.

The interior minister directed counties to deploy enforcement teams at road spots prone to flooding and that water has breached the bridge to prevent motorists or pedestrians from dangerous crossing.

“… arrest and prosecute offenders for attempted suicide and/or attempted murder as the facts of the case may be,” Kindiki said.

Further, the enforcement teams will bar transportation of passengers across flooded rivers or storm water by canoes or boats deemed unsafe.

“Prevent the transportation of passengers across flooded rivers or storm water by unsafe canoes or boats and arrest inexperienced and unscrupulous persons taking advantage of the prevailing situation to cash in on persons in distress,” the minister added.

Police said over 100 people were rescued and treated at Mai Mahiu health centre after the 4 a.m. dam burst incident while 32 others were referred to Naivasha sub-county hospital.

The incident brought to over 100 the number of people who have died from flooding amid heavy rains experienced in most of Kenya since March.