- He said the governors should be logical and use part of their revenue shares to address the El Nino crisis.
- The DP also called on the Kenyans to heed heavy rain alerts and take precautions.
Image: SHABAN OMAR
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has blamed poor infrastructural planning for the ravaging El Nino crisis.
Gachagua said the rain is wreaking havoc in various parts of Kenya because people did not consider proper planning.
"The situation we are having (El Nino) and everything that is going wrong in Kenya is because of poor planning," he said.
He, however, said the national government has taken affirmative measures to mitigate the effects of El Nino.
He said the Kenya Kwanza government has disbursed Sh7 billion as part of the intervention to assist the floods-affected victims across the country.
He said the government is also working on restoring cut-off roads and dealing with destroyed water dams to bring things to normalcy.
Gachagua also reiterated the county's commitment to supporting those displaced by floods and unblocking the drainage systems to prevent further havoc.
He said the governors should be logical and use part of their revenue shares to address the El Nino crisis.
The DP also called on the Kenyans to heed heavy rain alerts and take precautions.
He said Kenyans are complaining that the government is not doing enough yet people are risking their lives.
"It is interesting that people are daring to cross flooded rivers. How can the government help you when you risk your lives," he said.
Gachagua warned Kenyans against trying to be adventurous and protect themselves as El Nino continues to cause more disaster.
He said the national government has instructed all the security teams to ensure residents are evacuated to safe places and don't risk their lives.
Gachagua made the remarks during the official opening of the 17th annual planners' convention themed 'Integrating the blue, green and brown agendas: Mainstreaming Planning in all Sectors for Attainment of National Socio-Economic Transformation at Diani Reef in Kwale County.
The DP said the planners should take advantage of the convention to formulate better planning to help in the development of the country.
He said planning is key in spearheading the development agenda of any country.
Gachagua said the convention provides an opportunity to canvas and align the priorities of the Planners into the Kenya Kwanza Plan, to make Kenya a planning society.
He said the Kenya Kwanza administration recognizes the crucial role of spatial planning in socio-economic development.
He said the government is committed to providing policy direction in land administration and management, urban development and management as well as Affordable Housing.
"Ruto's administration targets 250,000 housing units annually in five years and for sustainability, planners have to ensure the housing units are accompanied by proportional transport and infrastructure, as well as accessible social amenities."
He said the convention takes place when El Nino is causing havoc across the country.
He said between 2009 and 2019, at least 87 buildings tumbled down leaving 200 dead and over 1,000 injured.
Gachagua said the country lost over Sh2.4 billion in such losses adding that last year alone, 13 houses collapsed in the Nairobi metropolitan region.
He said such unfortunate incidents have been linked to rogue contractors, substandard materials, limited or no geotechnical studies, greed, among other factors, the ingredient of proper planning for a safe, secure and, sustainably built environment cannot be gainsaid.
Gachagua said the conference should delve into harmonization of Climate Financing with Planning, building resilient urban communities, and sustainable land and resource management, among others.
He said with the immense untapped potential in the Blue Economy, Ruto's administration will work with the Institute of Planners and other partners in addressing challenges in this sector and harnessing maritime spatial planning for sustainability.