By JOB WERU

Special Programmes ministry has urged residents living in landslide and flood prone areas to vacate until heavy rains subside.

Minister Esther Murugi said the Government was also keen to take over landslide prone areas of Kerio Valley, where 15 people died and more than 2,000 were displaced.

Murugi said her ministry is in consultation with ministries of Forestry and Wildlife and Lands to facilitate the take over and hand residents safer parcels.

Speaking in her Nyeri Town Constituency when she toured CDF projects, the minister said community members who own the lands in Kerio Valley have agreed to exchange them for safer areas.

“We are discussing with the ministries of Forestry and Wildlife and that of Lands to ensure we facilitate the exchange of land for the sake of safety of affected people,” said Murugi.

The minister also noted the Government has distributed shelter and foodstuffs to residents affected by floods in Nyakach and Nyando areas.

“The Ministry of Public Health has also moved in and is helping to contain outbreak of waterborne diseases in flooded areas,” said Murugi.

She said almost 2,000 people were displaced by floods in Nyando area.

The minister further sounded alarm to residents of the area and others in landslide prone areas of Murang’a, saying they should relocate until rains subside.

The meteorological department has notified that rains will continue till mid-January, an indication that the tragedies may continue for almost two weeks. She urged residents to move to safer zones to avoid more deaths and displacements.

“It is better to be safe than sorry. We appeal to them to move to safer areas until the rains subside,” she said.

In  Nyando, residents camping at various places are now appealing for humanitarian aid.

Their houses are submerged by floods. Others were swept away after  River Nyando break its banks. Residents are appealing assistance from the Government and various relief agencies. They are asking for food, medicine, blankets and tents. Majority of them  have been sleeping in the cold. Nyando DC Isaiah Tonui said displaced families are in dire need of help.