In 2024, Kenyans witnessed several disasters that claimed the lives of several citizens countrywide.
Notably, the disasters were both natural and man-made as was in the case of the Embakasi gas explosion.
Here are the two major disasters that were witnessed in 2024.
Flooding
During the March-April-May rains, a total of 315 people died as a result of flooding in parts various parts of the country.
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The highest numbers were recorded in Mai Mahiu in April following a landslide that claimed 61 lives. The landslide was contributed by deforestation, poor land management practices and natural geological movements.
Consequently, the reopening of schools was postponed as a result of the rains.
Additionally, the government stepped up efforts to address climate change effects through tree-growing exercises.
“The enhanced March–April–May 2024 long rains resulted in flooding and subsequently, a total of 315 people lost their lives, 58,641 households were displaced, and 412,263 persons were affected,” President William Ruto noted in his annual security report.
“The flooding led to the destruction of roads, bridges, aerodromes, railway lines, school infrastructure, and health facilities. 298,673 acres of agricultural land and 9,367 livestock were washed away.”
Embakasi Gas Explosion
On February 2, 2024, a gas explosion in Embakasi claimed the lives of 13 Kenyans while leaving several others injured.
Investigations by various government agencies attributed the explosion to human errors and malpractice by a gas plant operating near residential buildings.
Additionally, EPRA maintained that the gas plant was operating illegally and failed to comply with various regulations set out by the authority.
“EPRA noted the high population density around the proposed site and the applicant was requested to submit a Qualitative Risk Assessment clearly indicating the radiation blast profiles in the unfortunate case of an explosion like the one that happened yesterday,” EPRA noted in its statement.
“The applicant never provided the requested QRA resulting in the rejection of the applications. Email correspondences providing reasons for the rejection were sent to the applicant.”
Over 300 people were injured during the February incident.
“Going forward, the Government is committed to fully implementing comprehensive disaster risk management strategies that include stricter enforcement of health and safety regulations and greater public education to prevent and mitigate disasters as well as fast-tracking the enactment of the National Disaster Risk Management Bill,” the Head of State noted in his annual report.
