By Peter Orengo
At least 17 people have died and more than 60,000 affected by flash floods across the country.
Seven people were swept away by flash floods in Hells Gate Gorge, Naivasha, at the weekend and another seven died in Gwasi mudslides.
A boy drowned in Tana River after he was swept away by floods. Another two died last week in Mlolongo after a bus that had carried them was swept away by floods.
The Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) on Tuesday warned that the humanitarian situation was worsening as rains continue to pound parts of the country.
"The Society has activated its flood watch system and prepositioned its non-food item stock as part of early action and preparedness for early recovery and less impact," said KRCS Communications Manager Nelly Muluka.
She said KRCS disaster response teams are on standby countrywide to provide assistance to those who will be affected by floods.
Affected populations
KRCS said in Taita Taveta County many people were left homeless after their houses were submerged by water. Crops and livestock were also washed away and infrastructure such as roads, bridges and schools destroyed.
"We carried out a comprehensive rapid assessment of the situation jointly with the DO, chiefs and public health officers to determine the immediate needs of affected populations," Ms Muluka said.
The assessment indicated that the most affected population was in need of immediate food, non-food items such as shelter, water and sanitation.
Most affected areas in Bomeni Division were the villages of Marekeke, Merodo, Majengo, Masingitini and Forodani where 100 houses were submerged and 55 others swept away by floods.
