Engineers Urge Immediate Action to Address Kenya’s Flood Crisis
In the wake of the devastating floods sweeping through Kenya, the Association of Consulting Engineers of Kenya (ACEK) has issued a poignant call for urgent action from both national and county governments to mitigate the current crisis and prevent future disasters.
Eng. Gabriel W. Jabongo, Honorary Secretary of ACEK, emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to address the dire situation: “As engineers, we recognize the urgent need for coordinated action to tackle the ongoing flooding crisis. The devastation caused by these floods underscores the importance of proactive measures to safeguard lives, property, and the environment.”
The flooding, attributed in part to climate change and poor infrastructure planning, has wreaked havoc across the country, leading to loss of life, displacement of communities, and extensive damage to infrastructure.
Jabongo stressed the critical role of government intervention in implementing long-term solutions: “We urge both the national and county governments to act swiftly in accordance with existing legislative frameworks. It is imperative that we address issues such as human settlement in flood-prone areas, inadequate drainage systems, and reckless encroachment on riverbanks.”
ACEK outlined a comprehensive set of recommendations for immediate action, including the review of policy frameworks, enhancement of drainage systems, and the establishment of specialist task forces to assess and address vulnerabilities in infrastructure.
“We cannot afford to ignore the lessons learned from this crisis,” said Jabongo. “It is essential that we invest in resilient infrastructure and prioritize the preservation of our natural environment to mitigate the impact of future disasters.”
The association also emphasized the importance of seeking professional advice from qualified engineers in all matters related to development and infrastructure.
“As engineers, we stand ready to contribute our expertise to support efforts to rebuild and fortify our communities against future calamities,” Jabongo concluded. “Together, we can overcome the challenges posed by these floods and emerge stronger and more resilient than ever before.”
The ACEK’s statement serves as a rallying cry for concerted action to address Kenya’s flood crisis and underscores the indispensable role of engineers in safeguarding the nation’s future.
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