The Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes Geoffrey Ruku visits families affected by flash floods in Mathare, Nairobi, on April 23, 2025/HANDOUT
The government has initiated urgent measures to address the devastating impact of ongoing floods and landslides in Nairobi County.
Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development, and Special Programmes Geoffrey Ruku on Tuesday directed the Principal Secretary of the State Department for Special Programmes to convene a multi-agency meeting aimed at crafting immediate mitigation strategies.
This directive comes in the wake of a tragic incident in Drive-In, Ruaraka Constituency, where a 23-year-old single mother and her two young children lost their lives due to the floods.
The Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes Geoffrey Ruku, with Ruaraka MP TJ Kajwang give donations to some of the families affected by flash floods in Mathare, Nairobi, on April 23, 2025/HANDOUT
During his visit to the affected area, the Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development, and Special Programmes Geoffrey Ruku disclosed that at least 55 households have been impacted, displacing nearly 200 residents.
“This is a heartbreaking tragedy,” said Ruku.
“The government stands with the affected families, and we are committed to taking all necessary steps to protect lives and livelihoods.”
The Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes Geoffrey Ruku and Ruaraka MP TJ Kajwang give donations to some of the families affected by flash floods in Mathare, Nairobi, on April 23, 2025/HANDOUT
He assured victims that relief food and essential supplies had already been dispatched to the area and that more support was on the way.
Through the State Department for Special Programmes, Ruku emphasized that the government will implement proactive measures to ensure the safety and welfare of all Kenyans in flood-prone regions.
The floods, triggered by heavy rains, have overwhelmed drainage systems and caused significant damage to homes and infrastructure across parts of Nairobi.
At least six people died overnight in Nairobi following heavy rains that were experienced on Monday. Police warned the number could rise because some may have been swept downstream.
The Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes Geoffrey Ruku, Ruaraka MP TJ Kajwang and other dignitaries with foodstuff donations for families affected by flash floods in Mathare, Nairobi, on April 23, 2025/HANDOUT
Nairobi police commander George Sedah said the boulder, in the Mathare 4a informal settlement, turned deadly after it collapsed on the victims.
Local leaders and humanitarian organisations have called for increased government intervention and long-term planning to prevent such tragedies.
The Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes Geoffrey Ruku visits families affected by flash floods in Mathare, Nairobi, on April 23, 2025/HANDOUT
As rescue and support operations continue, the government is urging residents in high-risk areas to remain alert and heed safety advisories.
The Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes Geoffrey Ruku, visits families affected by flash floods in Mathare, Nairobi, on April 23, 2025/HANDOUT
More rain is expected in the coming days, raising fears of further displacement and damage.
Authorities say the upcoming consultation will play a key role in shaping Kenya’s response to climate-driven disasters.