Kenya Declares Public Holiday to Mourn Flood Victims and Promote Climate Action

Nairobi, Kenya - President William Ruto has announced a national public holiday this Friday to mourn the 238 lives lost due to devastating floods across Kenya.

In addition to commemorating the victims, the day will also be marked by nationwide tree planting activities aimed at combating the effects of climate change.

The announcement comes as Kenya, along with other regions in East Africa, faces severe flooding that has displaced more than 235,000 people.

These individuals are now residing in temporary camps set up to manage the crisis.

The floods have also led to significant infrastructural damage, including the destruction of hundreds of schools, prompting a two-week delay in the reopening of educational institutions nationwide.

In response to the extensive damage to educational facilities, the government has allocated funds for necessary renovations, addressing over 1,000 schools affected by the adverse weather.

The meteorology department continues to forecast moderate to heavy rainfall throughout most parts of the country, signaling ongoing challenges.

Moreover, the government has initiated forceful evacuations for residents in flood-prone areas, particularly those near rivers and dams, as water levels in the country's major hydroelectric dams reach critical heights.

This week, the government conducted demolitions in the informal settlements of Mathare and Mukuru in Nairobi.

President Ruto has pledged financial support, offering the equivalent of $75 to families forced to relocate due to the ongoing emergency conditions.

These measures underscore the Kenyan government's proactive steps to mitigate further disaster risks and highlight the pressing need for increased environmental and infrastructural resilience in the face of escalating climate change impacts.