By Rose Achiego Ande
In a press statement released on the 29th of November 2023, the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) expressed deep concern over the severe impact of the El Nino phenomenon currently affecting various parts of Kenya. The bishops acknowledged the gift of rain, a much-needed relief after a prolonged dry spell in many areas but noted that the excessive rainfall has now escalated into a full-fledged El Nino crisis.
The bishops lamented the loss of over 120 lives, with Makueni and Kitui being particularly affected by floods. The ongoing onslaught of El Nino has raised the risk of landslides and flash floods, leaving communities vulnerable and threatening their well-being. In addition to the loss of lives, the floods have led to the displacement of over 90,000 Kenyans in flood-prone areas.
The KCCB extended heartfelt sympathy and prayers to the affected families and individuals, urging the public to exercise caution, especially in flooded areas. The bishops appealed to all stakeholders involved in disaster management, calling on individuals and groups to consider postponing long trips and festivals to ensure the safety of all citizens, particularly children facing adverse conditions.
Furthermore, the bishops called on the government to respond swiftly by providing robust support to the affected communities. They emphasized the importance of timely intervention to alleviate the immediate distress caused by El Nino, urging cooperation between public and private entities. The KCCB specifically called on the government to fully engage its Disaster Management teams for efficient evacuation, immediate interventions, and proactive assistance to help communities prepare for potential prolonged impacts.
Expressing concern over the recently announced Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) results, the bishops called for a serious review before the selection of form one students. They questioned the validity of results where an entire class scored the same mark in a subject and highlighted mix-up in subjects and individual results, including posting results for exams not taken, such as sign language. The bishops called for a thorough examination of the educational system to address systemic issues and ensure the future well-being of Kenyan children.
The KCCB assured Kenyans of their solidarity in these challenging moments, calling on all citizens to come together to support those affected by the crisis. The statement concluded with a prayer for God to lessen the burdens borne by the people and to guide the nation in finding solutions to the challenges faced.
KCCB - Catholic Mirror 