In remembrance of the 238 individuals who have died as a result of the continuing flooding, President William Ruto of Kenya has declared Friday a public holiday.
In an effort to lessen the consequences of climate change, the president announced on Wednesday that nationwide tree-planting events will be held in observance of the day.
Inundations have overtaken Kenya and other regions of East Africa. There are more than 235,000 displaced persons residing in several camps.
In addition, President Ruto declared that all schools would reopen nationwide on Tuesday, following a two-week delay caused by torrential rains that wrecked hundreds of classrooms. The government announced that approximately 1,000 schools were impacted by the intense rainfall and subsequent flooding, and allocated cash for repairs.
For the most portion of the nation, the metrology department’s daily weather forecast continues to call for moderate to heavy rains.
Since the country’s major hydroelectric dams are experiencing “historic levels” of water rise, the government has begun the process of forcibly relocating those residing in flood-prone areas and those near rivers and dams.
This week, the president promised evicted residents the equivalent of $75 to relocate after a deadline to vacate amid fatal rains passed. The government has been demolishing homes in the informal communities of Mathare and Mukuru in the capital Nairobi.
