President Uhuru Kenyatta pledged government support to all Kenyans affected by rain-related calamities during the National Tree Planting Day held on Saturday.
He said those affected by floods in various parts of the country and the victims of the collapsed dam tragedy in Nakuru will receive government assistance to both ease their grief and rebuild their lives.The President spoke at the Moi Forces Academy, Eastleigh in Nairobi where he launched this year’s National Tree Planting Day and the Nairobi Clean-up campaign which he had earlier participated in at the Juja Road/Outering Road Roundabout.
President Kenyatta announced that an extra Sh 1 billion will be made available to the Kenya Red Cross to continue with its relief work, in addition to the Sh 1.5 billion already set aside for this purpose
“Let them (victims of recent calamities) know that my Government will give every support in this moment of grief and difficulty, so that they can rebuild their lives and livelihood,” said President who led Kenyans in a one minute silence in honour of the fallen compatriots.
“Indeed, every family in the Republic that has lost a loved one can rely on a similar guarantee from my Government. We will stand with you; we will pray with you; we will support you. Wherever you are in the country, we are with you,” he added.
Following the rain-related havoc, said the President, the Government had responded well in rescuing marooned Kenyans, providing water, food and essential medicines and restoring water systems and sanitation where necessary.
President Kenyatta who was accompanied First Lady Margert Kenyatta and Deputy President William Ruto said the Tana River and Nakuru incidents, in which many Kenyans have died, were extremely distressing.
“Many of the victims in Nakuru were children; they were our sons and daughters. To know that their lives were cut short so early is to know a deep sorrow and anguish,” he said.
He paid special gratitude to all Kenyans for their solidarity, unity and resilience in the face of adversity and the development partners who had freely and generously provided resources in response to an appeal by the Kenya Red Cross following the calamities.
President Kenyatta thanked development partners who have supported relief efforts noting that they had given a total of 3.3 million euros to support relief efforts.