§ John BarrettTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development if he will make a statement on the recent flooding in Western Kenya. [167817]
§ Hilary BennRecent heavy rains have led to flooding in Western Kenya as in other parts of the country. It is estimated that approximately 14,000 people are affected in western Kenya. The response is being managed by the Government, with assistance from the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS). The Government ire distributing food to seven districts, and KRCS is distributing non-food items. Neither are currently asking for additional assistance from the international community. The Kenya Meteorological Office is predicting that average to above average rains will continue in parts of western Kenya. The Rapid Onset Disaster Committee is planning for a potential figure of 60,000 affected, should the heavy rains continue into May. If this were to happen, then the Government of Kenya may ask the World Food Programme and others for assistance. DFID Kenya will continue to in monitor the situation closely.