Kenya is badly prepared for floods: four steps to reduce devastation and deaths

Pando residents in Nyando flee floods following backflow from Lake Victoria. [Michael Mute, Standard]

Floods in Kenya in April/May 2024 led to the deaths of over 250 people and caused damage estimated at Sh4 billion (US$35 million).

Not for the first time, Kenya's lack of preparedness was apparent as flooding rampaged through rural and urban landscapes. There was also confusion as to who would deal with the disaster - the national or county governments. And it took several weeks before the government mobilised emergency agencies.