Kilifi and Tana River Counties Launch Emergency Initiative to Support Families Affected by Floods

Kilifi, Kenya – The Kilifi County Steering Group (CSG), under the guidance of the County Commissioner’s office, has launched an emergency initiative to assist vulnerable families impacted by floods in Kilifi and Tana River Counties. This critical intervention comes in response to recent flush floods and ongoing heavy rainfall predictions for the region.

According to Kenya News Agency, The three-month project, titled “Supporting Vulnerable Communities, Anticipate and Mitigate Impact of Potential El Nino-Induced Floods,” is a collaborative effort between the Somali Lifeline Organization (SOLO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The project is funded by the German government and aims to provide essential support in line with the Kilifi County Floods Contingency Plan that was launched in October.

Speaking at the CSG meeting in Kilifi, SOLO Executive Director Hussein Abdi outlined the project’s objectives. He stated that the initiative would support communities affected by flooding due to the El Nino rains. The project targets at least 750 households in the most flood-prone areas of Magarini Sub-County, as recommended by the CSG.

Key components of the project include providing agricultural inputs to some beneficiaries and implementing a Cash for Work program. Under this program, participants will receive Shs 9,100 for digging canals on their farms to redirect potential floodwaters and prevent flooding. Additionally, the initiative will provide vital veterinary services, including de-worming, mass vaccination, and treatment for Rift Valley fever, targeting 270,000 livestock.

The project will also extend its support to Tana River County, targeting an additional 1,200 households with agricultural inputs and cash transfers. This comprehensive approach aims to mitigate the immediate impact of floods and enhance the resilience of affected communities.

Ruth Masha, Kilifi County Government Executive Committee (CEC) member for Special Programs and Disaster Management, praised the initiative. She emphasized the importance of a multi-sectoral approach in addressing the flood crisis in Kilifi. Masha assured that the County Emergency Operation Center (EOC) in Matsangoni is well-prepared to handle flood emergencies and has been actively facilitating intervention measures during the recent rains.

The CSG has also identified the areas most affected by floods in the county, where interventions are urgently needed. This initiative represents a proactive step by the local government and partnering organizations to provide timely and effective assistance to those most vulnerable to the impacts of climate-induced disasters.