The promises of Kenya’s politicians ring hollow
The rains washed away public confidence in the government, along with homes and lives.
Brian Kabenah
In recent weeks, some areas of Kenya received more than 150% of their average monthly rainfall in just a few days. This has caused widespread flooding, loss and misery. Over 200 people have died and thousands more have been displaced across rural areas like Tana River and urban ones such as Nairobi.
Although the rains could not be controlled by political leaders, their impact could have been. Kenyans are frustrated with the poor urban planning that exacerbated this impact.
On social media, Kenyans have long pointed out the likelihood of flooding and water damage during the construction of some of the worst-hit roads and buildings. But even though the inevitability of these consequences was obvious to all, profits were nevertheless put before people or sustainability, and the warnings were not heeded until it was too late.
Hard-hit low-income neighbourhoods like Mathare, Mukuru Kwa Njenga and Kariobangi were characterised by unstable structures, high population density and poor sanitation, despite being close to areas of great wealth and prosperity. As The Continent reported last week, well-known human rights activist Benna Buluma – Mama Victor – died after being trapped in her house when Mathare flooded in early April. And even when the rains stop, survivors struggle with homelessness and public health risks such as malaria, cholera and diarrhoea.
Politicians have been quick to make new promises. The government has said it will care for all those affected by the floods. Members of Parliament and governors like Anne Waiguru and Lee Kinyanjui have promised to construct temporary shelters and rehabilitate roads and bridges. But weeks after the flooding, the Mathare Social Justice Centre says at least 200 displaced individuals have not yet received any government support.
Kenyans are sceptical that the aid promised will come, or that authorities have truly gleaned any valuable lessons. And as the floodwaters finally ebb, so too does any lingering public confidence.