Human Rights Watch (HRW) has publicly criticized the Kenyan government for inadequate response to the severe nationwide floods, which have been ongoing since March. The catastrophic results of these floods, potentially intensified by the El Niño weather pattern, have led to the loss of 210 lives, displacement of some 33,100 households, and in total impacted about 196,000 Kenyans.
HRW’s observation, based on reports from social media and mainstream media within Kenya, underscored that government assistance has been largely inadequate concerning the safety of those affected and the provision of essential services. This passive response exhibits a contradiction, given Kenya’s comprehensive National Climate Change Action Plan 2023-2027 and established disaster response protocols, which specifically cite flooding as a significant risk and detail mitigation procedures.
According to Nyagoah Tut Pur, HRW Africa Researcher, “The unfolding devastation highlights the government’s obligation to prepare for and promptly respond to the foreseeable impacts of climate change and natural disasters. Kenyan authorities should urgently ensure support to affected communities and protect populations facing high risk.”
In May 2023, the Kenya Meteorological Department issued warnings about increased rainfall attributed to El Niño, expected to last across two peak periods; May-July, October-December, and to persist into early 2024. Despite the 10 billion Kenyan shilling budget guaranteed for a nationwide response under the Public Finance Management (Amendment) Act of 2023, and the directive for counties to dedicate 2 percent of their budgets to disaster preparedness, the absence of a comprehensive national response plan was clear.
HRW urges the Kenyan government to prioritize and address its obligation to safeguard vulnerable population groups, including children, the elderly, people with disabilities, and those living in high-risk areas, against the harmful effects of the continuous flooding.