President William Ruto on Tuesday April 30, 2024 disclosed that the government will build houses for Mai Mahiu floods survivors.

Speaking after visiting the floods victims in Mai Mahiu, President Ruto stated that the government will cover medical and burial expenses of the Mai Mahiu floods victims.

According to latest statistics, the death toll from the Mai Mahiu tragedy has reached 71 while about 28 people are still missing.

“In the Cabinet meeting today, we agreed that we will take measures to safeguard the lives of Kenyans. Your property, houses, cattle, plants and food have been swept away but we will ensure you get the necessary support. We have many people who are currently camping in schools, we have agreed to look for a place where you will stay as we look for a permanent solution,” he said.

He added that a task force has been formed to assess the situation on the ground in a bid to ascertain whether the floods victims will be resettled somewhere else or assisted in rebuilding.

President Ruto’s remarks emerged a few hours after government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura stated that the government will settle hospital bills for victims of flash floods in Mai Mahiu, after their homes were swept away by floods on Monday April 29, 2024. 

Speaking during a press briefing in Mombasa, Mwaura confirmed that 73 people were injured in the tragedy and were admitted to nearby hospitals.

“All their hospital bills will be paid by the government in the spirit of solidarity,” he said.

At the same time, Mwaura mentioned that Nairobi County is the worst hit by the floods with 147,000 displaced, accounting for 77% of all displaced persons in the country.

He added that the government has set up 52 displacement camps to accommodate affected individuals. 

Several people were killed and others were displaced on Monday April 29, 2024 after Kijabe dam burst and caused floods in Kamuchiri Village, Mai Mahiu,  Nakuru County, due to the ongoing heavy rains in the country.