- In addition, the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum has been directed to lower the cost of electricity to the public, to promote the increased use of hydro-generated power.
- The cabinet concluded by reassuring all Kenyans that the Government is doing everything within its power to return the situation to normalcy.
President William Ruto on Monday chaired a meeting with Cabinet Secretaries as El Nino floods wreak havoc.
So far, a total of 76 deaths have been reported following long rains across the country.
In a dispatch dated November 27, the cabinet agreed to scale up the scope of humanitarian assistance, with a target of reaching more than 50,000 households in Arad and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) counties.
The National Treasury will release an additional Sh10 billion to county governments this week.
"The Cabinet has directed the enhanced deployment of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and all public civilian aircraft to transport medical supplies, food and non-food items for targeted distribution as recommended," part of the dispatch stated.
In addition, the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum has been directed to lower the cost of electricity to the public, to promote the increased use of hydro-generated power, which has presently increased to 20 per cent while diesel has gone down from 15% to 10%.
"The Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, in consultation with all agencies within the sector, to give priority to maximum production, uptake and distribution of hydro-generated power."
Further, the executive office ordered the distribution of 150,000 mosquito nets to the affected counties and scaled up in the rapid response to rehabilitate dilapidated road networks.
"This will facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance to the affected population."
The executive office has also announced the formation of an ad hoc Cabinet Committee on Disaster Response, which will be led by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
"Through the National Disaster Operations Center, the Government will continue to provide regular updates on the progress of our relief efforts."
Additionally, a proposal be sent to Parliament for the replenishment of the Contingencies Fund and the rationalization of the budget under Supplementary Appropriations II of FY2023/24;
"The National Treasury has been directed to further rationalize the current budget and direct Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to commence reallocation of funds in their budgets to support the emergency response being undertaken by the State."
"Cabinet concluded by reassuring all Kenyans that the Government is doing everything within its power to return the situation to normalcy within the shortest time possible."