President William Ruto's cabinet on Thursday, May 2, warned Kenyans of Cyclone Hidaya heading to the Kenyan coast.
During the cabinet meeting held at State House, Nairobi, the President and Cabinet Secretaries were briefed on measures to protect Kenyans from the floods that have rocked most parts of the country.
"The Cabinet was briefed on the weather forecast for the next three months, which shows that average to above-average rains will continue in all parts of the country. Consequently, flooding is expected in low-lying areas as are landslides and mudslides," the dispatch read in part.
"Crucially, the coastal region is likely to experience Cyclone Hidaya, which will result in heavy rainfall, large waves and strong winds that could affect marine activities in the Indian Ocean."
This was the second time in a week that Ruto was convening a cabinet meeting to deliberate on extra measures to mitigate the devastating effects of flooding, mudslides and landslides in many parts of the country.
To help close to 200,000 households that have been affected by floods, the cabinet noted that the government would continue distributing food and non-food items.
The exercise is being done in partnership with non-governmental organisations and other charity entities.
"Noting that flooding, mudslides, landslides and other extreme weather conditions are a result of climate change, Cabinet resolved that the government, from now on, will rally the country in implementing measures, programmes and policies that will mitigate the effects of climate change," it was noted.
Kenyans were further commended for obeying an earlier directive to evacuate from riparian lands.
Due to the ongoing floods, tens of schools have been flooded leading to the destruction of classrooms, dormitories, halls, toilets, latrine fences and perimeter walls.
"To repair and rehabilitate destroyed school infrastructure, the Cabinet directed that the Ministry of Education works with the National Government Constituency Development," the Cabinet spoke of the situation.
Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu was appreciated for postponing school opening dates to May 6.
