Prime Minister Guterres was saddened by the loss of life and damage caused by flash floods in the capital Nairobi and other parts of the country, his spokesman said on Monday.
The Secretary-General expressed condolences and solidarity with the families of the victims, the Kenyan people, and the government.
Rescue teams were searching for survivors after a dam burst in Mai Mahiu, western Kenya, killing at least 35 people on Monday, according to international media reports.
More than 100 people have died across the country due to heavy rains that began last March. This season’s flash floods have affected nearly 600,000 people, following similar heavy rains that began late last year.
solidarity and support
Dr. Stephen Jackson, Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Kenya, also expressed solidarity with the people and government at an event led by Vice President Rigathi Gachagua to distribute emergency relief supplies to flood survivors.
More than 300 households have received assistance through the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), including food, mattresses, blankets, water tanks, mosquito nets and equipment needed for reconstruction.
“Together we are taking action to meet urgent needs. What worries me is that Kenya is currently facing conditions that did not cause a climate crisis, such as droughts and floods,” Dr. Jackson said.
UN teams on the ground have been working closely with national and international partners since the flooding began to provide direct assistance with food and non-food items to around 25,000 people.
Meanwhile, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Kenya said heavy rains were causing severe flooding and displacement of refugees in the Dadaab refugee camp in the north.
“Many refugees were driven from their homes and sought refuge in schools and highlands.” Caroline Van Buren, UNHCR Representative in Kenya, wrote on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
The agency is working with local government authorities, including moving people to safety.
