Garissa, Kenya – Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has called on business owners in Garissa and Tana River Counties to stock up on fuel and food supplies in anticipation of further rainfall, which could lead to road closures in the region. Speaking at a relief food distribution event in Garissa, overseen by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Murkomen emphasized the importance of preparedness given the likelihood of continued rains and potential road damage.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Kenya National Highway Authority (KeNHA) has temporarily restored traffic on the Nairobi-Garissa highway, but this is only a provisional solution. He cautioned that the anticipated rains could cause further disruptions. “What we have done now in the affected roads is a temporary measure to restore traffic as we work on permanent repairs,” Murkomen stated, urging local businesses to ensure adequate stocks of essential items to sustain the community in case of further road closures.
The Transport Cabinet Secretary also mentioned collaboration between his ministry, the Kenya Defense Forces, and the Kenya Coast Guard to provide a boat for rescue operations and transport between Garissa and Madogo towns during floods. Murkomen highlighted the government’s commitment to improving road infrastructure in the northern region, with plans already in place to enhance connectivity and access.
Murkomen revealed a substantial allocation of funds for these efforts, with Sh1 billion earmarked for El Nino emergency response to restore roads and Sh100 billion planned over the next three years in partnership with development agencies for various projects in the region. “We are working with the Ministry of Interior and the KDF to ensure security for our contractors who will be constructing roads, schools, health centers, water pans, and boreholes,” he added, emphasizing the goal of transforming the region into a high-potential area and integrating marginalized communities with the rest of the country.