By Kwedu News
Thousands of Kenyans have been left homeless as incessant rains that hit the country since March continue, with economists saying public infrastructure damage caused by the flash flooding is expected to impact the economy.
More than 200 000 people are estimated to have been displaced in the country with more than 250 people said to have died so far.
The Kenyan government says 40 of the 47 counties have been affected with over 40 000 households affected.
Kenyan President, William Ruto, said those displaced will receive government support.
The floods are expected to have far-reaching effects on the country’s economy with damage to public infrastructure, crops as well as trade disruption.
Development Economist, Timothy Njagi Njeru, says so far 58 roads have been destroyed and over 16 000 hectares of crops have been recorded damaged.
He says the country needs over US$80 million for aide and infrastructure maintenance.
Njeru says the country’s recovery path greatly depends on government policy.
“The current flooding will have long-term effects on the economy. The turnaround depends on the choices that policymakers make,” he says.
“Better preparation is key. We need to learn from this disaster to prepare better for the next climate shock.”
Njeru further adds that the Kenyan government needs to balance meeting commitments, social aide and stimulating key productive sectors of Kenya’s economy.
He says destruction of road networks in the East African country will raise cost of goods and transport as longer routes are used.
