Editor's Review

“This Cyclone, named Hidaya, that could hit anytime now is predicted to cause torrential rain, strong winds, and powerful and dangerous waves."

President William Ruto has announced that Kenya may experience its first-ever cyclone named Hidaya.

Speaking on Friday, May 3 during his Nation Address at State House, President Ruto said the cyclone could hit the country anytime.

He noted that the cyclone is predicted to cause torrential rain, strong winds, and dangerous waves that could disrupt marine activities in the Indian Ocean and settlements along the Kenyan coast.

“The Kenya Meteorological Department and the IGAD Climate Prediction Applications Centre, have issued a stark warning, Kenya may face its first-ever cyclone.

“This Cyclone, named Hidaya, that could hit anytime now is predicted to cause torrential rain, strong winds and powerful and dangerous waves, which could potentially disrupt marine activities in the Indian Ocean and settlements along the Kenyan coast,” said President Ruto.

At the same time, the Head of State directed the National Treasury to provide adequate resources and work with other development partners to provide for the purchase and supply of food, medical, and other non-food items for Kenyans affected by the ongoing heavy rains.

File image of President William Ruto.

Ruto also directed the Kenya Defence Forces and the National Police Service to deploy resources, personnel, and equipment for carrying out coordinated public safety and risk mitigation operations.

“Security agencies are further directed to enlist the support of the National Youth Service and work with National Government Administration Officers to respond to this emergency, including ensuring timely, orderly, and humane evacuation of all persons at risk,” said Ruto.

Further, he directed all Cabinet Secretaries to spearhead disaster response and mitigation efforts across the country.

“The Ministry of Interior is directed to coordinate the relocation and evacuation of the affected members of the public, identification of sites for temporary shelter for displaced persons, and supervise the overall support programs,” President Ruto added.

Additionally, Ruto called on members of Parliament to re-organize their CDF allocations to prioritize the reconstruction of school infrastructure that has been damaged as a result of the floods